Silver Ferns v Australia recap: New Zealand close out emphatic victory to open Constellation Cup

All the action from game one of the Constellation Cup series between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds, from Auckland’s Spark Arena.Silver Ferns named to face Australia and NZ MenThree changes have been made to the Silver Ferns squad named to battle the Australian Diamonds in netball’s Constellation Cup next month.Shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit and midcourter Peta Toeava have been added to the 14-strong lineup, which retains the core of the team that won Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow. Defender Parris Mason replaces Catherine Hall, who is sidelined with an ACL injury.Three more changes follow for the Net Blacks series in November, with Tactix defender Laura Balmer in line for a potential Silver Ferns debut, alongside the return of shooter Aliyah Dunn and midcourter Tayla Earle.Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said the two teams reflected both the immediate challenge of the Constellation Cup and the longer build towards Netball World Cup.“The Constellation Cup is always a really tough series. Australia are the number one-ranked team in the world, and we have a huge amount of respect for them, the quality they bring and the history between our two teams. We know what it takes to compete against Australia, and we’re expecting another fiercely contested series”.Peta Toeava (from left to right), Parris Mason and Te Paea Selby-Rickit have been added to the Silver Ferns squad for the Constellation Cup. Photos / Photosport, Getty“For us, it’s about building on the team and combinations that performed so strongly at the Commonwealth Games. The additions of Te Paea, Peta and Parris further strengthen those combinations and give us different options across the court.“The series against the Net Blacks allows us to give others more playing opportunities in what we know will be a really challenging and physical series.“It’s also another opportunity to grow the experience of athletes in this environment, test combinations and continue building the depth we need as we head into a World Cup year.“We were back in camp last week for the first time since the Commonwealth Games, and it was great to see the energy and hunger within the group. We’re looking forward to the challenge of both series and can’t wait to get back out on court.”The Silver Ferns open the Constellation Cup against the Diamonds at Spark Arena in Auckland on Sunday, 18 October. The Diamonds head into the series as the world’s top-ranked side and reigning Cup holders, but have not won a test on New Zealand soil since 2021.The squad-naming comes with the sport’s domestic future beginning to take shape. Private investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams have signed a non-binding term sheet with Netball NZ to govern a new franchise league from 2027.Silver Ferns 2026 Constellation Cup squadShooters: Georgia Heffernan, Grace Nweke, Martina Salmon, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Amelia WalmsleyMidcourters: Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Peta ToeavaDefenders: Karin Burger, Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, Carys StytheSilver Ferns WM New Zealand Netball Series v Net Blacks squadShooters: Aliyah Dunn, Grace Nweke, Martina Salmon, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Amelia WalmsleyMidcourters: Tayla Earle, Maddy Gordon, Kimiora Poi, Peta ToeavaDefenders: Laura Balmer, Karin Burger, Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, Carys Stythe