Constellation Cup: Silver Ferns snap nine-year Constellation Cup drought stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Some Ferns have excelled in the ANZ Premiership domestic competition and against weaker international opposition. Put them up against netball’s benchmark Australia, and they have been found wanting. Fresh off a 3-1 series win over Australia, sealed with a come from behind 45-43 win in Christchurch on Sunday, Taurua couldn’t have been prouder of the improved depth in New Zealand netball and the way players rose to the occasion.
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Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua loves the passion and fire Sam Winders plays with. Sam Winders, unwanted for the 2019 World Cup and out of the Ferns for a 20-month stint, thrived as the starting wing defence. Winders, who returned in October s Taini Jamison Trophy series against England in Hamilton, produced arguably her finest and most steady performances in the black dress, marking Australian captain and wing attack Liz Watson.
A change in alert levels on Sunday means the building will be open to supporters. The Silver Ferns will hope the 2500 fans allowed in, can help spur them to victory on New Zealand sports ‘Super Sunday’. Australia must beat the Ferns by two goals to retain the trophy.
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Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua reacts during their third test win over Australia on Saturday. New Zealand have won the Constellation Cup just once before in 2012, since first being contested in 2010. Experienced shooter Bailey Mes is the lone member of the current Ferns squad to have won the cup– in her first year of international netball.
Photo courtesy Michael Bradley Photography The Silver Ferns took a 2-1 lead and a big step towards claiming the Constellation Cup for the first time in nine years after a pulsating 55-49 win over the Australian Diamonds in Christchurch on Saturday. .