Best of enemies: Con Cup preview

By Stephanie Smarrelli 

There’s no doubt the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand runs deep. This month, the Origin Diamonds will battle the New Zealand Silver Ferns in a quest for Constellation Cup glory. 

As reigning world champions, the Origin Diamonds will hope their form continues with this year’s Constellation Cup in their 13th battle for supremacy against the Silver Ferns.  

It was the Origin Diamonds who were victorious last year, winning a 10th Constellation Cup, while New Zealand have only won two.  

The last time the teams met was in this year’s Quad Series final, with the Origin Diamonds walking away with the trophy 56 to 50. 

This year’s World Cup was the first time the teams haven’t played each other in the event with the Origin Diamonds collecting a gold medal while the Ferns left empty handed.  

Finishing fourth at the Netball World Cup will undoubtedly be fuel to the fire for the Ferns when they come up against the Origin Diamonds this Constellation Cup. 

Setting out to defend the Constellation Cup the Origin Diamonds will have their work cut out for them against a formidable opponent while also testing a new lineup.  

A NEW CYCLE BEGINS  

This year’s Constellation Cup will be an opportunity for Australian athletes to put their hand up as the four-year cycle building towards the 2027 Netball World Cup begins.  

The Origin Diamonds will be without 2023 Netball World Cup champions Ash Brazill and Steph Wood with Brazill retiring from the sport and Wood retiring from international netball.   

With Brazill and Wood out of the team the opportunity arises for the next generation to make their mark in the green and gold.  

The goal attack bib Steph Wood regularly donned is up for the taking with Kiera Austin tipped to make the goal attack position her own after a stellar Netball World Cup final. While youngster Sophie Dwyer is also waiting in the wings. Returning to the squad in the midcourt following the retirement of Ash Brazill will be Kate Moloney. 

The Silver Ferns are also looking to the future, naming defender Kate Burley in their squad for her first taste of international netball at this level as the side aims to rebound from last year’s loss. 

2022 CONSTELLATION CUP  

The Origin Diamonds have their sights set on claiming back-to-back titles this Constellation Cup.  

Last year, the Silver Ferns had the edge early winning the first match convincingly by eight goals and the following by four. 

With their backs up against the wall it was do-or-die for the Origin Diamonds in match three. They needed to win the next two games and make back the 12-goal deficit. A loss at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena and the dream would be over.  

In front of a sea of green and gold, the Origin Diamonds rose to the occasion winning the match and doing so by 15 goals meaning they would only need to win the final match to claim the trophy. 

In the winner takes all clash, the Origin Diamonds triumphed, taking the series with a four-goal win. 

This year’s Constellation Cup will begin on Australian shores with matches in Melbourne and Brisbane giving the Origin Diamonds the home crowd advantage before the series crosses the Tasman to Invercargill and Auckland. 

Australian audiences can watch free and live on Kayo Freebies or listen on radio via the Sports Entertainment Network.