Silver Ferns beat Australia again to take commanding Constellation Cup position

The Silver Ferns have put themselves in the best possible position to win the Constellation Cup for just the fourth time after beating Australia 62-50 in Christchurch.After losing the first Test in Auckland by six goals, the Diamonds came out stronger but the Silver Ferns managed to weather the storm to go 2-nil up before the series heads to Australia for the final two Tests.The Silver Ferns have now beaten Australia four times in a row, going back to last year's annual series, while the Diamonds surprising losing streak on New Zealand soil now sits at 12.Peta Toeava returned to the black dress for the first time in a year, starting at wing attack, where she quickly resumed her telepathic connection with her former Mystics team-mate Grace Nweke.The Diamonds welcomed vice-captain Kate Moloney back, after a finger injury and the more traditional Australian shooting line-up of Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin provided good structure for the visitors.New Zealand led 17-14 at the end of the first quarter, where a few turnovers were the difference.Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich made several changes throughout the game, particularly in her defensive end.The Silver Ferns patiently absorbed the pressure of a more clinical Australian side, and were able to bide their time before finding opportunities to bomb it into Nweke.The circle defensive pairing of Kelly Jackson and Karin Burger built across the game and the Ferns extended their lead 33-26 at half-time.Mila Reuelu-Buchanan came on at wing defence at half-time, which saw Kate Heffernan and Maddy Gordon shift one position up the court.Grace Nweke of the Silver Ferns and Courtney Bruce tussle for the ball.John Davidson / www.photosport.nzThe Silver Ferns went out to an 11 goal lead in the early stages of the third quarter before the visitors launched a fightback.Jessie Grenvold, who made her Diamonds' debut in the first test, was able to make some inroads at goal keep.The Diamonds managed to cut New Zealand's lead to just three heading into the final turn but the home side held their nerve.Te Paea Selby-Rickit entered at goal attack for the final quarter and Toeava returned, which saw Gordon shift back to centre, and Kate Heffernan went to the bench.Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua told Sky Sport some changes needed to be made as "tired errors" came into the game.Shooter Donnell Wallam made a long-awaited return for Australia and faced the Silver Ferns for the first time in her career, when she came on during the final quarter.Toeava had an impressive 45 minutes on court. Nweke had a brilliant game finishing with 49 from 55.Gordon, who maintained a high work rate in the midcourt, came away with MVP honours.The Diamonds penalty count of 84 was significantly higher than the Silver Ferns.Despite the bigger score line, the Diamonds posed more challenges for the Silver Ferns in the second Test.The Silver Ferns have found playing in Australian a challenge, winning just one of their last nine tests across the Tasman.If the series ends with two wins each, the winner will be decided by goal percentage.Second leg fixturesMatch 3: Sunday 25 October - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, 6.00pm NZTMatch 4: Wednesday 28 October - John Cain Arena, Melbourne, 9.30pm NZT