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NZ v India from 7.45pm tonightSilver Ferns in reach of world No. 1 ranking with win over Australia
Joanna Guelas, AAP • October 21st, 2026 11:02 pm
Grace Nweke has starred in another trans-Tasman netball win for New Zealand | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
New Zealand are on track to end Australia's long reign as netball world No. 1 after pulling off a 62-50 triumph to maintain their perfect start to the Constellation Cup.
With Kate Moloney back from a finger injury, the Diamonds were determined to bounce back from an opening 56-50 loss in Auckland and end their five-year hoodoo across the Tasman.
The visitors cut an 11-goal deficit to three goals at the final break, but the Silver Ferns refused to relinquish their control in a "dogfight" at Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena on Wednesday night.
Last claiming the Constellation Cup in 2024, New Zealand can win back bragging rights when the four-game series heads to Sydney on Sunday.
And if the Commonwealth Games champions pull off a complete sweep, it will mean Australia surrenders the top spot on the world rankings for the first time since 2013.
Kate Moloney had an immediate impact, after returning from a finger injury | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Grace Nweke (49 goals/52 attempts) was once again unconquerable in the circle, while the towering defensive duo of Kelly Jackson and Karin Burger proved too difficult for Australia's attackers.
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich conceded they had yet to find a way to disrupt Nweke.
"We were still trying to find ways to impact their flow to the circle," Marinkovich said.
"Grace is such a huge target down there and New Zealand's very comfortable in playing possession.
"I thought we were much better at staying with it, but now we've got to actually be brave."
Several players hit the deck during the highly physical battle and the visitors gave away 84 penalties to New Zealand's 53 in a desperate bid to force some turnovers.
"It just means that we've got to up our mongrel and go for all the loose scraps," Silver Ferns captain Burger said.
"It's just a dogfight out there in the defensive end, and then we try and keep it nice and calm in the attacking end."
The Diamonds started brightly, but made uncharacteristic mistakes to trail 17-14 at the first break.
Diamonds captain Liz Watson - playing as centre - was pinged for intentional obstruction after stepping into the circle as she tried to corral Maddy Gordon.
The experienced midcourter gave the ball away to Georgia Heffernan, and the Silver Ferns goal shooter converted easily to put the Kiwis.
Georgia Heffernan's composure proved pivotal in Christchurch | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Watson was then warned for encroaching into New Zealand's circle in the third quarter, prompting Marinkovich to bench her skipper
With Amy Parmenter taking over as wing defence, Moloney's influence as centre was felt immediately as the Diamonds claimed the third quarter 16-12 to set up a tense finish.
Donnell Wallam also joined the fray in the final term to end her two-year hiatus from the national team and was tasked with helping Moloney complete the comeback.
The goal shooter could only manage seven goals from nine attempts as an under-pressure New Zealand adjusted aptly to contain the damage.
