Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke during the Constellation Cup netball test - New Zealand Silver Ferns v Australia at Spark Arena - Auckland - New Zealand 23 October 2023 Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Photo: Brett Phibbs
The Silver Ferns have come from behind to claim their second consecutive Constellation Cup victory against Australia 53-50 in Auckland.
Australia dominated the clash until the final quarter when New Zealand rallied for the three-goal win in a frantic 15 minutes.
Trailing by three at three-quarter time, the Silver Ferns hit the lead for the first time with seven minutes to go.
Australia refused to back down, levelling up twice before courageous Silver Ferns defensive pressure won the day.
New Zealand goal shooter Grace Nweke scored 43 goals, only missing twice.
The World Champion Diamonds retain the Constellation Cup on goal percentage after dominating the opening two tests of the four-match series.
New Zealand won the third test 53-50 in Invercargill last week.
Australia were well served in Auckland by strong holding shooter Sophie Garbin with 37 goals from 40 attempts.
While the Silver Ferns defensive combination in the backline of goal keep Kelly Jury and player-of-the-match Karin Burger at goal defence was a force.
All the Silver Ferns put their bodies on the line with centre Maddy Gordon a standout.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua gushed at the immense potential of her side.
"We squeezed that out especially coming in to that fourth quarter," Taurua told SkySport.
"They showed their class in moments but I think there are moments that we show our class and the potential of this group.
"One win is good, and two wins is good, it leads us on to 2024."
Silver Ferns
Grace Nweke 43/45 (96%)
Ameliaranne Ekenasio 10/10 (100%)
Australia
Sophie Garbin 37/40 (93%)
Kiera Austin 7/9 (78%)
Cara Koenen 6/7 (86%)
MVP: Karin Burger