Silver Ferns to host Australia in March

The Silver Ferns will face the Australian Diamonds for the first time in over a year when the Constellation Cup comes to New Zealand in March.

The Constellation Cup, which was postponed due to Covid-19 last year, has been confirmed to be played in New Zealand.

Christchurch Arena will host the first two matches on March 2 and 3 before the action heads to Trustpower Baypark Arena in Tauranga over March 6 and 7.

It will be Australia’s first series in New Zealand under new coach Stacey Marinkovich and the side will undergo a two-week quarantine period to comply with the New Zealand Government’s Covid-19 requirements.

The Diamonds will travel to Christchurch on February 15 and prepare for the series during 14 days of managed isolation.

Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie was delighted to announce the series against their transTasman neighbours after what had been a long wait.

‘‘We’re really excited to confirm this series after the disappointments of postponing the Constellation Cup in 2020 due to Covid-19,’’ Wyllie said.

‘‘We’d also like to acknowledge the Australian Diamonds for agreeing to come to New Zealand where they will go into the mandatory two-week quarantine leading into the series.

‘‘To be able to host international netball in the current climate is something we do not take lightly, so we’re excited to see our world champion Silver Ferns have the opportunity to take on one of their toughest opponents.’’

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was excited about the challenge of playing the Diamonds.

‘‘Australia is deservedly ranked number one in our sport and as a Silver Fern, there is nothing better than gauging yourself against the world’s best,’’ she said.

‘‘We love the trans-Tasman rivalry and Constellation Cup. It truly is a blessing that we can rekindle our connections, and play the sport both countries love in these Covid times.’’

The Silver Ferns last met the Diamonds in October, 2019, when Australia retained the Constellation Cup trophy. New Zealand performed admirably, tying the series 2-2, but Australia kept the silverware due to a higher goal difference.

New Zealand last captured the Constellation Cup in 2012.