Ferns skipper Karin Burger admitted to Fox Sports they let themselves down in the final quarter.
“Not completely deflated cause there was some good stuff out there, but it’s disappointing when it is just down to that last quarter.
“They really gave it to us, but we got some new faces out there – people in positions don’t play very often.”
The Ferns started strongly, with pressure from Burger and vice Kelly Jackson forcing an early turnover and threatening every pass into the Aussie shooters.
Diamonds defenders Courtney Bruce and Sunday Aryang at times opted to double-team Grace Nweke, making it difficult to get clean ball under the hoop in the opening minutes.
Martina Salmon threw a couple of wayward passes, which missed Nweke, but a Maddy Gordon intercept helped keep the scoreline to 13-all by the end of the first quarter.
Disciplined midcourt defence from Australia meant the Ferns often looked for long-range passes into Nweke. In contrast, Australia was much happier to play towards the baseline and give goal attack Kiera Austin plenty of opportunity to shoot.
It meant New Zealand’s ball into the attacking third was at times undone by basic errors. Gordon fired two long passes over Nweke and out of bounds, leading Australia to eventually take a slim 30-28 lead into halftime.
Salmon relaxed into her goal attack role as the game wore on, not hesitating to turn and shoot from range. She finished with 12 goals at 75%, though hardly any attempts were near the post.
Australia stretched their lead to six goals, but the introduction of 1.91m Catherine Hall to goal defence alongside Jackson increased New Zealand’s defensive pressure. The Diamonds were often caught deliberating over their circle feeds.
Some sharp passes from wing attack Peta Toeava helped the Ferns claw the scoreline back to 45-41 heading into the final quarter.
From there, New Zealand started to unravel. Unforced errors helped Australia shoot out to a 5-1 lead and find their groove.
Once the Diamonds’ advantage stretched to 11 goals, the match was won, prompting Kiwi coach Yvette McCausland-Durie to empty the bench. Ferns shooter Amelia Walmsley got some valuable minutes at goal attack, while Kimiora Poi joined the midcourt and Hall went into goal keep.
The second Constellation Cup test is in Sydney on Wednesday.
The Silver Ferns have named Karin Burger as interim captain and Kelly Jackson as interim vice-captain for the upcoming Constellation Cup Series and Northern Tour.
Burger, one of the team’s most experienced and respected players, will lead the side as they prepare to take on Australia before heading to Scotland and England for the Northern Tour. Jackson steps into the vice-captaincy role, reflecting her experience and leadership within the team environment.
Interim Silver Ferns head coach Yvette McCausland-Durie said both Burger and Jackson embody the values and standards expected of Silver Ferns leaders.
“Karin is a natural leader who sets the tone through her work ethic, competitiveness, and unwavering commitment to the team. She brings real connection to the group and has a great ability to support and challenge in equal measure,” McCausland-Durie said.
“Kelly has continued to impress with her maturity and presence on and off the court. Together, they’ll provide strong and balanced leadership for this campaign.”
McCausland-Durie also highlighted the importance of the wider leadership group, which includes Burger, Jackson, Kate Heffernan, Grace Nweke and now Elisapeta Toeava, who has been added to the group for the upcoming series.
“Leadership within the Silver Ferns is shared, and this group plays a crucial role in driving standards and ensuring alignment across the team,” she said.
“It’s really exciting to have Elisapeta join the leadership team. She brings a unique energy and perspective, and her voice will add real value to the group alongside Karin, Kelly, Kate and Grace.”
Burger, Jackson, Heffernan and Nweke were all given a chance to captain or vice captain the side during the Taini Jamison Trophy sweep of South Africa, after which Nweke made a plea for Dame Noeline Taurua’s return. However days later Netball New Zealand confirmed Taurua would be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season following failed attempts at mediation.
The Silver Ferns will face Australia in the Constellation Cup Series before heading to Scotland and England as part of their Northern Tour.