Australia Dominates Silver Ferns with Commanding 68-51 Victory

The Australia Diamonds secured a decisive victory over the Silver Ferns, winning 68-51 in Sydney on March 15, 2024. This result gives Australia a commanding 2-0 lead in the Constellation Cup, with the series now set to continue in New Zealand.

Despite trailing by only two goals at half-time, the Silver Ferns faltered dramatically in the third quarter, allowing the Diamonds to pull ahead by 14 points. This collapse mirrored their struggles in the first Test, where they also lost in a disappointing fourth quarter. Both teams fielded the same line-ups as in the initial match, demonstrating the high stakes and expectations placed on each player.

In the first quarter, the Diamonds quickly established their dominance. They forced two held balls, disrupting New Zealand’s initial attempts to score. The Silver Ferns’ first goal attempt by Martina Salmon was met with strong defensive pressure, leading to difficulties in progressing the ball down the court. The Diamonds finished the quarter leading 19-13, showcasing their sharp shooting and defensive prowess.

Recognizing the need for change, interim Silver Ferns coach Yvette McCausland-Durie substituted Salmon for Georgia Heffernan at goal attack. Heffernan’s entry brought more structure to the attacking line, allowing wing attack Mila Reuelu-Buchanan to launch longer passes into Grace Nweke. The Silver Ferns adjusted their strategy, employing a zone defense in the second quarter that momentarily slowed the Australian advance.

Nweke faced significant challenges, often double-teamed and struggling with her shots under pressure. Despite these setbacks, the Silver Ferns managed to win the quarter 30-28, mirroring the scoreline from their previous encounter.

As the match progressed into the third quarter, adjustments continued. Parris Mason entered at goal defense, pushing Jane Watson to wing defense in a bid to counter the Australian offense. However, the Diamonds’ attacking rhythm was relentless. They dominated this quarter, outscoring New Zealand 21-9, which left the Silver Ferns trailing 51-37 heading into the final frame.

In the last quarter, the Silver Ferns made further substitutions, bringing in Peta Toeava at wing attack and Catherine Hall at goal keep, as they sought to regain control. Toeava’s introduction allowed for quicker ball movement, directly feeding Nweke in a bid to close the gap. The Silver Ferns began to chip away at the Diamonds’ lead, but the Australian team quickly recalibrated, maintaining their advantage as the match neared its conclusion.

The next two Tests of the Constellation Cup will take place in New Zealand, with the third match scheduled for Hamilton. The Silver Ferns will be eager to turn their fortunes around and reclaim momentum in this fiercely contested series.

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