It will take a miracle for New Zealand to reclaim the Constellation Cup in the final game, but the Kiwis can take solace in Australia’s netball hoodoo continuing for another year.
The Silver Ferns defeated the Diamonds 56-53 in Invercargill on Thursday to keep the Trans-Tasman series alive, albeit just mathematically so.
Watch every game of The 2023 Constellation Cup Series Free & Live on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >
New Zealand would need to win Game 4 in Auckland on Monday by at least 17 goals to claim the Constellation Cup on goal aggregate with a 2-2 overall result, just like the Diamonds did last year.
That sort of margin is highly unlikely, but the Silver Ferns will be reinvigorated by a victory over the world champion Diamonds after a disappointing fourth placed finish at the World Cup.
The Diamonds’ Invercargill hoodoo has also continued — the Aussies have just three wins in the southern New Zealand city in their last 11 outings there.
What’s doing with NZ ‘hoodoo’?
“I wish I had the exact answer as to why it has the effect that it does down there,” Fox Netball’s Bianca Chatfield told news.com.au when asked what’s behind the Invercargill curse.
“It’s loud, it’s cold and there is not a heap to do off the court. It’s no excuse though for any of our losses, having a game that is close and allowing the crowd to get involved is probably the biggest mistake from any Diamonds team that has lost down there.
“From my experience, in NZ no matter where you play, the crowds are far more parochial than they are in Australia. And for some players that’s something they take a while to adjust to.”
‘Hesitant’ goal attack hits first hurdle
Filling the shoes of retired goal attack Steph Wood was never going to be easy for the Diamonds.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich gave Kiera Austin first crack at the GA bib and she performed well in the opening two games, but struggled in Game 3.
Austin finished with 16/23 in Invercargill and looked hesitant under the post, passing up mid-range shots her predecessor would nail.
Chatfield said credit had to go to New Zealand’s defenders, including MVP goal keeper Kelly Jury, and she expected Austin to be picked for Game 4.
“Austin seemed very hesitant, but we have to respect that it was a much more dynamic and threatening NZ defence,” she said.
“Kelly Jury and the whole defence end had done their homework.
“I can imagine Stacey Marinkovich will do anything to lock down a Game 4 win, and because of how pivotal Austin was in those first two wins — she’ll sit down with her and analyse where it went wrong, get her confidence back to take shots and I expect her to start in Game 4.”
Diamonds weather pay dispute storm
The way the Diamonds are playing at the moment, it’s easy to forget sometimes that Australian netball’s pay dispute is dragging on as the country’s top players are still without a professional contract.
“I’m impressed with how much they can compartmentalise it all to be honest,” Chatfield said.
“My assumption is the best part of the job is being on court with each other so that makes it easier to block out the outside noise for that moment.
“I’m sure in between games it is a source of concern for everyone to work through.”
Can NZ do the impossible?
Goal shooter Grace Nweke’s return from injury has sparked the Silver Ferns and shot 34/36 from around three quarters of game time.
With her court time gradually ramping up, can Kiwi fans dare to dream of a 17-goal win to steal the Constellation Cup?
More Coverage
Chatfield said: “Diamonds should win Game 4 and the Cup, they will learn a lot from Game 3.
“However, if Nweke can play 60 minutes, anything is possible.”
Watch Game 4 of the Constellation Cup on Monday at 1.30pm AEDT on Kayo Sports.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ70qmmq6xfo7K1rsClo2ibn6PAtbHLpZitoZ%2BjeqTBz2armqSbnruoec%2BooKeso2Kxqq3MqKWdq12Yrq%2FAjKylmqhdl7a7rdGrnGajmay2brTOqJuop1%2Bjsri%2FjKyrqKqpZIR5fJKbb3BwaWmDcoSQaZmcmZJlg3GuwnJonG9lZn14