{
  "id": 15852060,
  "title": "Live: Diamonds look to bounce back from Constellation Cup loss to NZ",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/live-diamonds-look-to-bounce-back-from-constellation-cup-loss-to-nz",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T06:06:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-21/constellation-cup-netball-diamonds-silver-ferns-game-two/107293398"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Australia's Women's National Netball Team, known as the Diamonds, are looking to recover from their six-goal defeat against New Zealand's Silver Ferns in the first game of the Constellation Cup series. If the Silver Ferns win all four matches of the series, they could potentially overtake Australia as the top-ranked team in the world for the first time since 2013.\n\nVice-captain Kate Moloney returns to the lineup after recovering from a finger laceration that kept her out of Game 1. However, without her, there was a shift in the midcourt, with Captain Liz Watson moving to centre and Georgie Horjus taking the wing attack spot. The team lacked power in the middle, and Watson ended up on the bench, raising concerns for fans. Jamie-Lee Price, who had a great Super Netball season at centre with the Melbourne Mavericks, is unavailable due to a calf injury, leaving Moloney in a pivotal role.\n\nGoal shooter Donnell Wallam replaces Cara Koenen, who struggled throughout Game 1, finishing with 77% accuracy. Wallam is a notable addition, having never played against New Zealand before and having returned from the 2024 Nations Cup. Koenen's shaky performance was a factor in the decision.\n\nFor the Silver Ferns, head coach Noeline Taurua made one change, omitting Kimiora Poi and adding Peta Toeava. This bold move aims to give less experienced players opportunities in preparation for the upcoming World Cup while still trying to win each game. Toeava has developed a strong connection with shooter Grace Nweke, which could benefit the team at an international level.\n\nAustralia's head coach, Stacey Marinkovich, is eager for a better start in Game 2, after falling behind by as many as 15 goals in Auckland and only managing to reduce the deficit to 56-50 in the final quarter. The team struggled in the goal circle, as New Zealand excelled at stealing the ball and intimidating opponents with their long arms. Marinkovich experimented with various shooting options, but kept Georgie Horjus at wing attack for the entire match.\n\nDefender Jessie Grenvold made her debut for Australia and topped the gain stat with one interception, four deflections, and one pickup. With both teams struggling to perform in opposition territory and playing in different venues for each Test, the home crowd advantage becomes a significant factor in this series. Australia hasn't won a Test on New Zealand soil in five years, highlighting the importance of a strong performance in this match.",
  "summary": "Australia is hoping to rebound from a six-goal loss to the Silver Ferns in the second game of their Constellation Cup series. Follow live.",
  "key_points": [
    "Diamonds lose 6-0 to NZ in Constellation Cup opener.",
    "Kate Moloney returns from injury, takes center role.",
    "Silver Ferns consider fielding inexperienced Peta Toeava."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Roster adjustments and the return of key leadership highlight Australia's urgent need to stabilize their midcourt and goal circle to prevent New Zealand from seizing the world ranking.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Live: Diamonds look to bounce back from Constellation Cup loss to NZ",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/live-diamonds-look-to-bounce-back-from-constellation-cup-loss-to-nz-15852693",
        "published": "2026-10-21T06:06:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}