Diamonds brace for World Cup rematch against Silver Ferns

DIAMONDS captain Clare McMeniman says nothing brings out the best in an Australian athlete quite like playing New Zealand.

With a rivalry stretching back almost 80 years between the two netball powers, the four-Test Constellation Cup beginning in Sydney today is being touted as potentially the closest and most ferocious ever seen.

“We play our traditional styles against each other and that’s pretty exciting because it’s always a great challenge and it’s usually pretty close,” said McMeniman who will retire from netball at the end of the season

Australia has played, and beaten, New Zealand in their one previous encounter this year – the final match of the international quad series in September.

But with a series against Jamaica under their belt and the potential return of gun shooter Maria Tutaia and fellow veteran Anna Harrison, McMeni- man believes it’s will be a strong Silver Ferns side which takes the court on Sunday.

“Both sides are blooding new talent but still have a few old faces in the team, “she said.

“I think we are going to see some very tight matches.”