PREVIEW | 2024 Constellation Cup

THE INTERNATIONAL netball season continues at full force today, with the Constellation Cup kicking off in New Zealand. Perhaps more so than in recent editions, Australia will come into this series as overwhelming favourites.

Despite coming unstuck once against England, the Diamonds continue to be a dominating force in world netball and with New Zealand continuing to slip down the rankings, it is crunch time for the Silver Ferns.

The problem for the Kiwis is that their strategy of using Grace Nweke’s height advantage and just bombing it into her has become a bit predictable, and with Nweke about to spend at least a year away from the Ferns, the Silver Ferns need to change up their game plan and add some spice to it.

They do get a huge boost this series though with the return of Phoenix Karaka, who will partner well with Kelly Jackson down in defence, and her return and the leadership that it brings will be huge as they battle the in-form Australian shooting end.

Speaking of Australia, the Diamonds have their own selection headaches this series. Courtney Bruce and Jo Weston are back from injury, but Sarah Klau and Sunday Aryang both shone in the series against England, so who gets the starting defence spots on court?

Game one of the series kicks off tonight at 7:30pm local time, and fans can watch the series via either Kayo (in Australia) or NetballPass.

Australian Diamonds 2024 Constellation Cup squad

Sunday Aryang
Kiera Austin
Courtney Bruce
Sophie Dwyer
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Matilda Garrett
Paige Hadley
Georgie Horjus
Sarah Klau
Cara Koenen
Kate Moloney
Jamie-Lee Price
Liz Watson
Jo Weston

2024 NZ Squad Constellation Cup Squad

Karin Burger
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Kelly Jackson
Phoenix Karaka
Parris Mason*
Erena Mikaere
Grace Nweke
Claire O’Brien
Kimiora Poi
Amelia Walmsley
Maia Wilson

* – subject to medical clearance

Constellation Cup Fixture

Sunday, 20 October – 5:30pm AEDT/7:30pm NZDT – TSB Stadium, Wellington

Wednesday, 23 October – 5:30pm AEDT/7:30pm NZDT – Spark Arena, Auckland

Sunday, 27 October – 7pm AEDT/9pm NZDT – RAC Arena, Perth

Wednesday, 30 October – 7pm AEDT/9pm NZDT – John Cain Arena, Melbourne

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