INTERNATIONAL netball finally returns for the trans-Tasman nations this afternoon, as the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand Silver Ferns hit the court for the first time in well over a year, and gear up for a huge four-match Constellation Cup series. Whilst the series is usually hosted evenly between the two nations, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and state-wide quarantine negotiations, all four encounters between the two nations will be hosted on New Zealand soil, giving the Silver Ferns a huge leg-up on the competition. That being said, with two weeks in quarantine and the past 12 months spent wondering, Australia will be raring to go with a new-look side and plenty of exciting talent to showcase after a frustrating 2020.

Read our predicted Constellation Cup starting sevens HERE.

Expect plenty of argy bargy between the two nations in the first outing of the series, as two very different looking squads face off for the first time and look to gain the upper hand early. Whilst both sides boast a number of stalwart figures across the court, plenty of young guns will also be looking to try their hand on the international stage and gain their maiden cap. Expect Caitlin Bassett to have first dibs on goal shooter for Australia and shape up against the ever difficult Jane Watson, with the two having some huge tussles over the years and unlikely to give an inch on court. Expect Kiera Austin to take out the starting goal attack position alongside Bassett, given she has the next most experience with the green and gold squad compared to her fellow young goalers, although she will well and truly be put through the ringer by the classy Watson, Karin Burger and Sulu Fitzpatrick with all three difficult to take on and providing plenty of variety down back given their respective strengths. Realistically, with so much youth in the goal attack position for the Diamonds, if Watson can shut down Bassett, then New Zealand could have a real chance of getting on top of Australia early.

Through the centre, expect the Diamonds to look to exploit the absence of Laura Langman, with the retired champion leaving a position open for the likes of Shannon Saunders and Claire Kersten to battle for the start. Expect the starting centre for Australia to be between Liz Watson and Kate Moloney, with all the Diamonds listed midcourters strong in their own right but a number arguably more potent on the wing than across the full court. Australia’s centre could potentially be based around who starts for New Zealand, and with a number of other midcourters at their disposal expect plenty of rotation across both sides through one of the most contested spots on court. Liz Watson can thread the needle to anyone in the goal circle, and whilst the ever-versatile Burger is likely to start inside the circle for New Zealand, her long arms and party tricks could go a long way to propelling ball forward for the Ferns out in wing defence where required. Versatility-wise, both squads have plenty of depth at their disposal with eight and seven midcourters respectively, making for an intriguing contest with both sides able to adjust accordingly and really flesh out their ideal midcourt across the four matches.

At the other end of the court, expect a tight battle as the Diamonds defenders and Ferns goalers are realistically both nations’ most settled and reliable units across the court given their experience. Courtney Bruce and Jo Weston are as difficult as they come in Australia’s defence, and factor in livewire Kim Jenner – who could earn her first Diamonds cap – and the cleanliness of Sarah Klau, and the Diamonds will be really difficult to contend with down back. But the Ferns have plenty of strengths of their own, as captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Maia Wilson look to continue their excellent connection as Monica Falkner and Bailey Mes return to wreak havoc for New Zealand. With so much firepower and physicality shaping up in the goal circle, there is no doubt this end of the court is the one to watch given the tried and true connections for both nations.

Overall, expect a fairly even contest across the board and do not be surprised if the four wins are split down the middle given how much both sides can change depending on who gets the starting bib in each position. Expect tight tussles in each and every position, and for the Diamonds to take advantage of the cancelled crowds which should realistically even the playing field a fraction. Both sides have plenty to prove after such a disrupted year, so will want to really put on a show.

SQUADS

New Zealand

Attack: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maia Wilson, Bailey Mes, Monica Falkner
Midcourt: Gina Crampton, Claire Kersten, Sam Winders, Shannon Saunders, Kimiora Poi, Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon
Defence: Karin Burger, Jane Watson, Sulu Fitzpatrick

Australia

Attack: Caitlin Bassett, Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, Cara Koenen, Tippah Dwan (invitee)
Midcourt: Liz Watson, Jamie-Lee Price, Maddy Proud, Kate Moloney, Gabi Simpson, Jess Anstiss, Paige Hadley, Verity Charles
Defence: Courtney Bruce, Jo Weston, Sarah Klau, Kim Jenner, Tara Hinchliffe (invitee)