Live: Diamonds look to bounce back from Constellation Cup loss to NZ
Australia is hoping to rebound from a six-goal loss to the Silver Ferns in the second game of their Constellation Cup series. Follow live.
AUSTRALIA
The good news for Diamonds fans is that vice-captain Kate Moloney returns to the line-up after recovering from the finger laceration that kept her out of Game 1. Without Moloney in the team, there was a midcourt shuffle. Captain Liz Watson filled her spot at centre and Georgie Horjus was given the wing attack bib. They lacked punch up the middle and Watson ended the game on the bench. It wasn't ideal.
Many — including us — thought Jamie-Lee Price would have been a better choice to start at centre. Price had a cracking Super Netball season in that position with the Melbourne Mavericks. The bad news is, she's unavailable tonight with a calf injury.
The other change is goal shooter Donnell Wallam replaces Cara Koenen in the team. Wallam has never played against New Zealand before and last played for the Diamonds at the 2024 Nations Cup. Last year she was only an invitee at camp and missed out on a national contract, so this is a huge boost for her career! Wallam is the tallest shooting option for Australia at 193cm tall and definitely has the X-Factor. With a basketball background, she has a unique playing style. Koenen was shaky throughout the Constellation Cup opener and finished with 77 per cent accuracy, so it make sense to try something different.
NEW ZEALAND
Just one change for the Silver Ferns. Head coach Noeline Taurua has omitted Kimiora Poi (30+ caps) and added Peta Toeava (15 caps). It's a bold choice, as Poi was part of the team's gold-medal-winning Commonwealth Games team. She started in wing attack in Game 1 and played 38 minutes but Taurua has also spoken about trying to find the balance throughout this series of giving opportunity to less experienced players in preparation for next year's World Cup and winning each game. Toeava has a brilliant connection with Grace Nweke that developed during their time playing at the Northern Mystics. Giving that connection more time to build at an international level could be beneficial down the track.
