Kiwis claim series over disappointed Aussies
NEW ZEALAND has won the 2024 Constellation Cup after beating Australia 61-43 in the third test to claim the series.
Diamonds’ coach Stacey Marinkovich swung the changes pre match, making three changes to the match day squad and a couple to the starting seven, but ultimately the outcome was the same result. By contrast New Zealand coach Dame Noeline Taurua went with the exact same starting seven that got the job done in the first two matches of the series.
It was not only the first time in over 1800 days that New Zealand won a test on Australian soil, but it was also the first time since 2006 that the Silver Ferns had beaten the Diamonds three matches in a row.
Things were fairly even in the first half, with the sides tied at quarter time and New Zealand only leading by two at the main break.
However things took a turn after half time, with the Kiwis outscoring their hosts two goals to one in the third term and by almost a similar margin in the fourth term.
New Zealand’s centre pass to goal rate was 11 per cent higher than Australia’s, and the Kiwis’ gain to goal rate percentage 30% higher.
Grace Nweke had another big game in goals for New Zealand, and only missed three shots for evening while outscoring the entire Australian shooting contingent. She was well fed by Kimiora Poi, while up the other end Kelly Jackson picked up another four gains, as well as four deflections and two intercepts in another strong defensive performance.
Meanwhile for the Australians Sophie Garbin was accurate but could not match the volume of Nweke, meanwhile Paige Hadley and debutant Georgie Horjus led the feeds, covering the gap left by some underperforming team mates.
The series now moves to Melbourne where the final match will take place on Wednesday night.
AUSTRALIA 13 | 13 | 9 | 8 (43)
NEW ZEALAND 13 | 15 | 18 | 15 (61)
STARTING SEVENS
Australia
GS: Sophie Garbin
GA: Sophie Dwyer
WA: Liz Watson
C: Paige Hadley
WD: Jamie-Lee Price
GD: Sarah Klau
GK: Courtney Bruce
New Zealand
GS: Grace Nweke
GA: Ameliaranne Ekenasio
WA: Kimiora Poi
C: Maddy Gordon
WD: Kate Heffernan
GD: Karin Burger
GK: Kelly Jackson
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