An intense physical battle was felt as the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand Silver Ferns collided in the second test of the 2026 Constellation Cup.
A hot finish from the Ferns decided the clash, running away with a 62-50 victory on home soil at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena.
An even start kept both teams in the hunt early, challenging for turnover ball as the pressure amped up.
The battle between Sophie Garbin and Kelly Jackson continued where it left off in the opening match, with both players trading wins as Georgie Horjus shone bright once more in wing attack.
The defensive pressure of both Jackson and captain Karin Burger put a wrench in the Diamonds’ attacking plans, forced to chip the ball around as Maddy Gordon wreaked havoc through the midcourt.
A seven-goal margin at half time did not deter the Diamonds, though, fighting back in a huge third quarter output.
With Kate Moloney shifted to centre, Courtney Bruce to goal defence and first-time starter Jessie Grenvold to goal keeper, the defensive ball wins started to pop up.
The midcourt effort from Moloney and Amy Parmenter helped to hold up the ball speed and cause rare errors across the Ferns attack.
But while the Diamonds reduced the margin to just three goals at the final break, a hot start to the final term from the Ferns set them up for success.
The 17-8 quarter brought the Christchurch crowd alive, as Grace Nweke took a well-earned break and the Ferns claimed their second home win of the series.
Australia will play host to the next two matches, with Sydney up first on Sunday, October 25, and Melbourne on Wednesday, October 28.
