Diamonds want extra shot at Silver Ferns

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander wants the Constellation Cup restored to a fivetest series to capitalise on the rebirth of netball’s most fierce international rivalry.

Alexander says the current fourmatch format has an obvious flaw as it allows the trans-Tasman series to be decided by points differential, as was the case this year.

Australia retained the silverware last month following a 2-2 series stalemate, mirroring the outcome from 2015.

Alexander proposed a return to the five-match structure last played in 2013, when Australia prevailed 4-1 to begin their current reign as holders.

After some lean seasons, New Zealand roared back this year under coach Noeline Taurua to claim world championship glory, pipping Alexander’s team 52-51 in the final.

Of seven trans-Tasman clashes in 2019, four were decided by a single goal and the rest were single-figure margins.

‘‘The rivalry between us now is just huge. Let’s take advantage of it,’’ Alexander said. ‘‘I’ve said to our event planners that we would like to have five tests. Of course I love playing Kiwis and really it just makes it easier in terms of working out who wins the trophy.’’

Alexander would also like more home tests overall for the Diamonds to boost a brand that has to work hard for publicity given the popularity and financial success of the domestic Super Netball competition.

There were only two home tests in 2019, although the world championship being staged in Liverpool was a mitigating factor.

‘‘Netball is really big now and we’re getting noticed and we’re stamping our authority out there in the commercial space,’’ she said. ‘‘But we also have to make sure we look after our wonderful game and don’t lose the real great community grass roots sense.

‘‘More home tests adds commercial value too so it’s a matter of being able to schedule it and of course our wonderful neighbours from New Zealand, they’ve got to be prepared to play us and help us out there.’’

Netball New Zealand said it hadn’t received any formal request from Australia to expand the Constellation Cup series. –