The Diamonds know they must take their sport to a different stage to wrest again the Constellation Cup from New Zealand, regardless of their snug collection win over South Africa.
The four-Take a look at collection in opposition to the Silver Ferns begins in Melbourne on Friday night time, with the world champion Diamonds out to make amends for a disappointing 2024 marketing campaign.
They misplaced the primary three Exams in opposition to their trans-Tasman rivals final yr, earlier than triumphing within the last sport of the collection.
It was the Silver Ferns’ first collection win since 2021 and simply their third because the trophy went on the road in 2010.
Each groups enter this yr’s battle on the again of three-Take a look at clear sweeps over South Africa.
The Silver Ferns performed September’s collection in opposition to the Proteas with out their adorned coach, Dame Noeline Taurua, who was stood down by New Zealand Netball after eight years within the position.
Dame Noeline Taurua (left) and Ameliaranne Ekenasio led the Silver Ferns to their Constellation Cup win final yr.
No timeline has been given for Taurua’s return.
The shock name adopted a January coaching camp, with a bunch of gamers elevating considerations about her management and communication fashion.
A subsequent impartial investigation highlighted points within the Silver Ferns’ atmosphere, with Yvette McCausland-Durie taking on as interim coach.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who captained the Silver Ferns in opposition to the Diamonds final yr, won’t be in Melbourne after making herself unavailable.
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich mentioned she anticipated the Silver Ferns to mount a stiff problem, regardless of the personnel modifications amongst their teaching employees and taking part in squad.
“New Zealand at all times carry it,” Marinkovich mentioned.
They actually did final yr and so they maintain that cup.
“We’ll must be at our greatest and we’re simply going to must maintain elevating our efficiency.”
Sunday Aryang, Sophie Dwyer and Amy Parmenter have come into the Diamonds’ Constellation Cup squad, whereas Jo Weston, Alice Teague-Neeld and Lucy Austin drop out.
Making her debut within the first Take a look at in opposition to the Proteas, Teague-Neeld was named participant of the collection.
However Marinkovich was completely happy to provide different gamers, comparable to Hannah Mundy, extra sport time after her promising Take a look at debut on Sunday.
“She’s (Teague-Neeld) achieved an unbelievable job and I feel that is the factor, gamers are taking their alternatives,” Marinkovich mentioned.
“There’s issues that we nonetheless have to see from different gamers and nonetheless have to rotate combos from inside our squad.
“Hannah’s solely been on the market for one sport.”
Following Friday’s Take a look at, the groups square-off in Sydney on October 22.
The collection concludes with two Exams in New Zealand.
AAP
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