By Stephanie Smarrelli
The Origin Diamonds have landed in New Zealand, they’ve got their eyes on the prize and they’re raring to go.
Each year our Aussie netballers go head-to-head with the Kiwis with the Constellation Cup on the line.
The Diamonds have won the last two Constellation Cups for a total of 11 series wins while the Silver Ferns have won two.
Today, it all starts again.
Here’s everything you need to know about the series.
What is the Constellation Cup?
The Constellation Cup is an annual battle between two of the world’s netball powerhouses Australia and New Zealand.
The test series is played across both countries with two games in New Zealand and two games in Australia to decide the winner.
This year matches will take place in Wellington, Auckland, Perth and Melbourne.
When does the Constellation Cup begin?
The battle for the Constellation Cup starts in Wellington on Sunday 20 October at 5.30pm AEDT.
How can I watch the Constellation Cup?
Tune into all the Constellation Cup action live or on demand on Kayo Sports and Foxtel. Sign up for Kayo here.
The battle begins on Sunday 20 October.How can I watch the Constellation Cup internationally?
All matches of the Constellation Cup will be available on Netball Pass.
How can I view the fixture?
The Constellation Cup fixture is available here.
Who has been named in the Diamonds squad for the Constellation Cup?
Here’s the 15 athletes selected to don the green and gold throughout the Constellation Cup;
Sunday Aryang
Kiera Austin
Courtney Bruce
Sophie Dwyer
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Matilda Garrett
Paige Hadley
Georgie Horjus
Sarah Klau
Cara Koenen
Kate Moloney
Jamie-Lee Price
Liz Watson
Joanna Weston
Who has been named in the Silver Ferns squad for the Constellation Cup?
Here’s the athletes the Silver Ferns have named to take on the Diamonds;
Karin Burger
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Kelly Jackson (nee Jury)
Phoenix Karaka
Parris Mason * subject to medical clearance
Erena Mikaere
Grace Nweke
Claire O’Brien
Kimiora Poi
Amelia Walmsley
Maia Wilson
Australia has won 11 Constellation Cups.What happens if there’s a draw throughout the series?
Each match of the Constellation Cup will be played until there’s a clear winner and loser. If a match is tied at the end of full time there will be a break of four minutes before extra time is played.
In line with the World Netball Rules of Netball, the extra time will be made up of two halves in equal length not exceeding seven minutes each with a half time break of one minute.
If at the end of extra time, the Diamonds and Ferns are still locked in a tie, play will continue until one team leads by two goals.
How is a winner decided if the teams have won two matches each at the end of the series?
If the Diamonds and Ferns are tied with two wins each after the fourth game, then extra time will be played with the winner of the Series Decider Time to be awarded the Constellation Cup.
There will be a 12-minute break in play for you to stretch your legs, run to the bathroom or restock snacks before two seven-minute halves are played. The scoreboard will be wiped to zero to begin this Series Decider Time and at the end of the first half there will be a four-minute break.
If at the end of this Series Decider Time, the teams still can’t be separated play will continue until one team leads by two-goals and they will be crowned the Constellation Cup champions. There will be no break in play between the end of the Series Decider Time and the Series Decider Additional Time.
How do I buy a ticket to attend in Australia?
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek, but get in quick not many seats remain. Purchase tickets here.
I’ve already got my ticket, what activations will there be on game day?
There’s plenty of fun activities, merchandise and food offerings available to you on game day. Come early to experience the Clubhouse for yourself, details here.
