WITH the return of international netball, New Zealand is set to play host to Australia in Game 3 of the Constellation Cup as the Ferns look to seal the series and claim the silverware. There are plenty of scintillating match-ups across the court with the next duo to go under the microscope the highly versatile pair of Claire Kersten and Liz Watson.

New Zealand Silver Ferns v. Australian Diamonds

Claire Kersten (C) v. Liz Watson  (C)

It will be a battle of the new and old of sorts with Watson a tried and tested member in the Diamonds side and Kersten fighting for some consistent minutes in the black dress. The two have not met many times given Kersten’s late introduction into the Ferns side but that will not matter too much as both players look to control the middle channel for their respective sides. Both are workhorses through the midcourt and hardly ever take a backwards step meaning if they do match up it could be a highly physical battle.

With patience and caution to boot the defensive minded Kersten has slotted in seamlessly to the Ferns outfit using her change of direction and smarts to impact the play. She is never far from the contest, working hard to cause turnovers with her niggling style of play. Kersten can effectively ply her trade through the midcourt implementing strong hands over pressure while she is also quick off the mark to switch into attack. Careful with ball in hand, Kersten is able to thread the needle and deliver the ball on a silver platter to the Ferns’ goalers while her work around circle edge to re-position is also key. Growing with confidence each time she steps out on court and solidifying her connections with the likes of Pulse teammate and Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio along with Gina Crampton, the 31-year-old is steadily becoming a threat to be reckoned with through the centre. Although not the quickest player out on court her netball IQ is second to none, able to think her way through congestion and turn on the afterburners when needed to forge attacking forays.

Although more accustomed to the wing attack position there is no denying that Watson is just as potent in the centre. With an insatiable thirst to feed the ball into the goalers, it is incredibly hard to stop the steam train that is Liz Watson when she gets going in attack. A strong presence up forward with her impeccable timing and effortless feeds, Watson kicks it up a gear in centre, covering the court with great ease and making full use of her tank. With quick footwork, fast hands and decisive movement to boot Watson is a real trojan through the midcourt that consistently butters up and weaves her magic to create multiple attacking forays for Australia. Renowned for her attacking efforts, the Diamonds star can also ply her trade in defence to make life hard for the opposition with her shadowing movements and nagging style of defence. Linking up with Caitlin Bassett under the post, as well as her improving yet seamless connection with Kiera Austin and Cara Koenen, Watson has the skill and confidence to stand and deliver the long bomb into her teammates – a trait that will be necessary if she is to spark the Diamonds in attack.

Boasting highly different styles Watson – attacking – and Kersten defensive – the tussle between the two will be one to keep an eye on as they search for the upper hand. Both players are renowned for their high level of endurance and ability to constantly re-offer, meaning it will come down to their connections and cleanliness with ball in hand. If Watson does play out of position in centre there is a chance she could fatigue, especially having played all 120 minutes across the series so far, while Kersten is more than capable of maintaining that high level of intensity for a full 60 minutes.