Wood in timely return for Diamonds against NZ

AUSTRALIA expects to be bolstered by the return of goal attack Stephanie Wood for Sunday’s opening Constellation Cup Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Wood, a Townsville junior, 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 all- clear 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.’’

Wood’s return comes as Alexander issued a directive to her players to sharpen their game in the first of four Constellation Cup Tests against their arch- rivals.

While Alexander was pleased the team was able to complete a clean sweep of the quad series, she wasn’t satisfied with the way the Diamonds finished their 60- 55 win over the Silver Ferns at Melbourne Arena.

“We had our chances to really push the lead ahead and that’s what we didn’t do well enough,’’ Alexander said. “We let our opponent off the hook a little bit. We need to make sure when we get those opportunities that we keep scoring off our centre passes really well and keep pushing that.

“We made a few too many silly errors and we’re going to work on that at training.’’

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.

“We really were impressed with what Kate and Jamie- Lee contributed at camp, so this is a chance for them to build on that,’’ Alexander said.