Silver Ferns look to prove their winning streak isn't a one-off

They know Australia will respond.

Tonight, Aotearoa’s Silver Ferns are returning to the court against the Australian Diamonds, looking to prove last week's victory was more than just a good performance. 

Sunday’s opening test saw New Zealand claim a 56-50 victory in front of a home crowd in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Now, the sides head to Christchurch where the Diamonds will be looking to level the score.

Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua told MetroNews that with the long-standing Trans-Tasman rivalry, every game is a big game that requires a careful yet attacking, dominant mindset.

"We know that because we won, Australia will come out which is why they’re so good. So, we’re confident but we’re mindful of where we currently are sitting and what they’re capable of," Taurua said.

Kelly Jackson echoed this view, telling MetroNews that Australia will be doing their homework, working out how to counteract what the Ferns put out on Sunday.

Jackson said that the previous fear factor that came with the Australian team has lessened since her time playing for the Queensland Firebirds in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball competition.

Like many others, her involvement has given her regular exposure to some of the world’s top players, allowing her to become familiar with potential opposition. Jackson told MetroNews that the flipside is the Diamonds are learning just as much about the Ferns.

Te Paea Selby-Rickit, who made her return to the Ferns on Sunday after a three-year absence, believes the team has developed greater versatility in the way it plays, giving them more options when facing defensive challenges.

The Ferns can score quickly, but are also confident in their ability to maintain possession, which can be frustrating for defenders, Selby-Rickit told MetroNews.

There is plenty of support for the Ferns to harness, with the first two tests being played on home soil, Dame Taurua told MetroNews. Australia’s last test victory in Aotearoa came in 2021, if history repeats itself, tonight would mark the Diamonds 12th consecutive test defeat in New Zealand.

But there is more than home-soil pride at stake. The Ferns are also closing in on World Netball’s number one ranking, currently held by Australia. Winning all four games would put them on top, three wins would leave them on par with the Diamonds, and anything less won’t change the rankings.

With the Diamonds expected to return with renewed intensity, the Ferns know they can’t afford to stand still. Tonight in Ōtautahi they have the home crowd behind them and the number one spot in reach. The challenge is turning last week’s momentum into another unforgettable win.