Diamonds primed for Netball Nations Cup

By Stephanie Smarrelli

The Origin Australian Diamonds will be determined to set the tone early in 2024 when they come up against the world's best at the Netball Nations Cup later this month. 

The new-look fixture includes four of the world’s netball powerhouses, with the Aussies to square-off against New Zealand, England and Uganda. 

The week-long competition will be held in England, across London and Leeds, at the end of January. 

There will be some tried and tested match-ups to look forward to as well as some new battles on court. 

This is what you need to know, including which players to watch. 

THE BEST OF ENEMIES 

First on the agenda the Diamonds will come face-to-face with their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand. The two teams last met in October's Constellation Cup with the Australians holding onto the trophy but the Ferns putting up a strong fight to level the series with the Diamonds keeping the trophy on goal differential.  

The Diamonds will want to win over their rivals to assert their dominance and bounce back from their two losses against the Ferns in the backend of the last series. 

Diamonds spearhead Liz Watson will lead the charge from the midcourt. The Australian captain was prolific against the side throughout the Constellation Cup with 146 feeds. Watson is likely to line up against Kate Heffernan who is known for her long reach. 

Watson will be joined by Jamie-Lee Price, vice-captain Paige Hadley and Kate Moloney in the midcourt.  

Silver Fern's shooter Grace Nweke will pose a threat in the goal circle while defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson returns to the New Zealand side for the first time in five years. 

Following their match against the Ferns, the Diamonds will turn their attention to host nation England. 

THE WORLD CUP REMATCH 

The Diamonds last lined up against the England Roses in the final of last year's Netball World Cup. 

The Australians powered home following a hotly contested first quarter to defeat the English side by 16 goals. 

The Roses will come into the Netball Nations Cup fired up following the World Cup loss to the Aussies and on home soil in London and Leeds they will have a loud home crowd supporting them. 

A few days prior to the World Cup Final the Roses handed the Diamonds their only loss of the tournament so the Aussies will be prepared for the Roses to bring the intensity. 

Diamonds defender Courtney Bruce will be instrumental in the Australians defeating the Roses. Bruce ignited on the court with six gains and two intercepts in the World Cup Final. 

Bruce will come up against Suncorp Super Netball stars Eleanor Cardwell, Helen Housby and Sasha Glasgow in the goal circle.  

Bruce's defensive efforts will be combined with the prowess of Diamonds defenders Jo Weston, Sunday Aryang and Sarah Klau. 

While down the other end of the court England defenders Fran Williams and Funmi Fadoju will apply pressure to the Aussie attackers. 

Once match two is in the books attention will turn to the final weekend of competition with Australia set to meet a new opponent before the finals. 

A MOMENT IN HISTORY 

The Diamonds will play Uganda's She Cranes for the first time in history when the teams take to the court in the Netball Nations Cup. 

The She Cranes are ranked seventh in the world and defeated South Africa to claim fifth place at last year's Netball World Cup. 

She Crane Cholhok Mary Nuba will be threatening for the Aussies, donning the goal shooter bib she stands at 201cm tall. 

The 27-year-old was a standout in last year's Netball Super League with the goal shooter winning a premiership with the Loughborough Lightning and finishing as the league's top scorer for the season with 808 goals. 

The Diamonds will have to apply pressure on her in defence and match her shooting volume in attack. Taking on the shooting reins for Australia will be Kiera Austin, Cara Koenen, Donnell Wallam, Sophie Garbin and Sophie Dwyer.  

The Australian shooting circle presents plenty of opportunity for players to cement their spot in the side's starting seven with the shooting combinations continuing to grow and develop.  

Uganda also has good depth with Haniisha Muhameed N able to play both goal keeper and goal shooter. The ability to switch between ends of the court will prove a challenge for the Diamonds with both defenders and shooters needing to be ready to nullify her game.  

Following the match against Uganda the Origin Diamonds will find themselves either in the final to claim the Netball Nations Cup series or in a battle for third place. 

Australian fans can tune into the series live and free on Kayo Sports and Foxtel or catch up free on Kayo Sports after each match is played. 

Netball Nations Cup fixture (AEDT)  

Sunday 21 January – OVO Arena, Wembley
Australia v New Zealand 2:00am  
England v Uganda 4:00am  

Monday 22 January – OVO Arena, Wembley
New Zealand v Uganda 1:00am
England v Australia 3:15am  

Sunday 28 January First Direct Arena, Leeds
Australia v Uganda 2:00am
England v New Zealand 4:00am  

Monday 29 January First Direct Arena, Leeds
Third place play-off 1:00am
Final 3:15am