Diamonds start Constellation Cup battle as ranking pressure builds
Australia's netball Diamonds open the Constellation Cup against New Zealand on Sunday with their world number-one ranking at stake.
The series starts in Auckland with Australia and New Zealand returning to court for the first time since the Commonwealth Games. The Diamonds are the top-ranked team but could lose that standing if they fail to win the series.
Australia has won only three of its past 16 matches on New Zealand soil and hasn't won in regular time since 2021. Coach Stacey Marinkovich dismissed talk of extra pressure, saying her team always expects to perform at the highest level.
Defender Courtney Bruce will become the seventh Australian netballer to reach 100 games in the opening match.
- 3 of past 16 matches
- Wins in New Zealand
- 2021
- Last regular-time win
- Spark Arena, Auckland
- Venue
- Four games
- Series format
Why it mattersAustralia's dominance in netball is being tested against its fiercest rival, with significant ranking implications.
AustraliaAustralians can watch their Diamonds compete in a crucial series that will shape the sport's world rankings heading into next year's World Cup in Sydney.
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