Diamonds have the Wood over Kiwi rivals
AUSTRALIA is expected to be bolstered by the return of goal attack Stephanie Wood for Sunday’s opening Constellation Cup Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Wood missed the final quad series Test against the Silver Ferns last month with an injured thigh as Australia secured a series clean sweep in Melbourne.
The 26-year-old has emerged as the Diamonds’ first-choice goal attack in partnership with captain Caitlin Bassett, who teamed with Gretel Tippett in the final quad series Test.
Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said Wood had been cleared to rejoin the national team after her enforced rest.
“She has been given the allclear from training. We are very happy with that, but we will obviously have to keep a bit of an eye on her,’’ Alexander said.
“But all indications are (she will play). We thought that anyway, but Tegan (Philip) was really great to make sure she was on standby for us.
“She should be back firing which would be great.’’
Along with the return of Wood, the Diamonds will welcome Vixens captain Kate Moloney into the line-up for the first two Tests as one of two replacements for Kim Ravaillion.
Jamie-Lee Price will replace Ravaillion, who is taking a break from international competition for the rest of the year, in the final two Tests this month.