Diamonds dominate Silver Ferns to take 2-0 lead in Constellation Cup series

Diamonds captain Liz Watson has played a starring role in her 50th Test as skipper, leading Australia to another dominant win over New Zealand.

Coming off a 17-goal triumph in the first Test last Friday, the Diamonds replicated that performance on Wednesday in Sydney with a 68-51 win over the Silver Ferns.

The Diamonds now lead the Constellation Cup series 2-0, needing one win to regain the trophy they lost to the Silver Ferns last year.

Watson was a star in the midcourt for Australia, with the wing attack topping the stats sheet with 24 goal assists and 39 circle feeds.

Clean ball into the circle from Watson, and centre Kate Moloney, allowed Australia's shooters to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Goal shooter Sophie Garbin led the Diamonds with 33 goals from 39 attempts, with Georgie Horjus (13/19), Cara Koenen (11/15) and Kiera Austin (11/12) all contributing.

"We were really proud of our first performance, but obviously, we know the Ferns are a very professional, quality team, and it was going to be a completely different game," Watson said at full-time.

"To be able to come away with a scoreline like that, at international level, you have to be really proud of that."

The Diamonds will regain the Constellation Cup if they can win either of the two Test matches in New Zealand, with the first to be held in Hamilton on Sunday.

The Diamonds have not won in New Zealand since 2021, with the Silver Ferns on an eight-match winning streak at home against Australia.

In front of a big crowd at the Sydney SuperDome, the Diamonds made a fast start and established a 19-13 lead at quarter time.

New Zealand coach Yvette McCausland-Durie made changes to start the second quarter, bringing on substitute Georgia Heffernan for Martina Salmon at goal attack. 

Along with her identical twin sister, Kate, in wing defence, the Heffernans were excellent in the midcourt and freed up Silver Ferns' goal shooter Grace Nweke, who finished the match with 37 goals from 43 attempts. 

The visitors cut the Diamonds' lead to two goals as Australia held a 30-28 advantage at half-time. 

Any hopes of New Zealand kicking on in the second half and levelling the series were quickly extinguished after that.

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich brought on Horjus into goal attack and her impact on the game was felt immediately as Australia scored 21 goals to nine to take a 51-37 lead at the final break.

There would be no comeback in the final term for the Silver Ferns, despite their valiant efforts, with their hold of the Constellation Cup now fragile. 

The third Test of the Constellation Cup will be held in Hamilton on Sunday, before heading to Christchurch for the final match of the series.