Diamonds dominate Ferns again as history repeats in Game 2

Wednesday 22 October 2025 – Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney

The Australian Diamonds have taken a commanding 2–0 lead in the 2025 Constellation Cup, sweeping aside the New Zealand Silver Ferns 68–51 in a performance that felt like déjà vu - just with the screws turned even tighter.

It was, in many ways, a case of history repeating. Sophie Garbin was again unshakeable under the post, steering the attack with her trademark calm and precision. She finished with another clinical outing; a game-high haul, confidence under pressure, and the same poise that broke New Zealand open in Game 1. At the other end, Grace Nweke was once more held to just 37 goals, a sign that Australia’s defensive blueprint is working to perfection.

After being competitive early, the Ferns again suffered through a nightmare quarter (this time the third) where the Diamonds blew the contest wide open. A 21–9 term turned a manageable deficit into a mountain, and from there the Australians cruised home. It was the same problem that haunted New Zealand in Melbourne: a lapse in focus, an avalanche of turnovers, and the inability to steady when Australia lifted the tempo.

Courtney Bruce once more led from the back, playing her typically physical game that got under Nweke’s skin. She and Sunday Aryang were relentless, forcing the Ferns into rushed passes and messy feeds. Nweke still managed to reel in some impossible ball - as only she can - but too often she was left isolated and battling a sea of gold dresses. She remains a world-class spearhead, but the Ferns’ attack continues to depend too heavily on her brilliance to spackle over the cracks elsewhere.

In the middle, Liz Watson celebrated her 50th test as captain with the kind of masterclass we’ve come to expect. She tallied a game-high 38 feeds and even matched the defenders with three intercepts - remarkable for a wing attack. Watson’s timing and decision-making once again anchored Australia’s rhythm and ensured every transition had direction and purpose. It was leadership personified: calm, clinical, and completely unflappable.

One of the real positives for Australia (and something we predicted in the Game 2 preview) was Stacey Marinkovich’s willingness to give her bench more minutes. Georgie Horjus made her first appearance of the series in GA and was simply outstanding. Despite giving up a full 20 centimetres to Kelly Jury, she refused to be intimidated, finishing with 13 goals, a gain, and three rebounds - no small feat against a defender of Jury’s height. Her timing, confidence, and creativity added a fresh spark to the Diamonds’ attack.

For the Ferns, Georgia Heffernan was a shining light and injected some real spark when she came on. After watching from the bench in Game 1, she seized her chance in GA - full of drive and purpose, shooting 10 from 11 and adding 11 goal assists. Her movement around Nweke opened up the circle and gave New Zealand some much-needed variety. It was the kind of performance that will keep her firmly in the mix for future tests.

The broader picture is harder to sugarcoat for New Zealand. For the second game running, they simply couldn’t hold their composure across four quarters. Whether it’s fitness, mental focus, or the sheer pressure Australia exerts, the Ferns fade when the heat comes on. Once the momentum tips Australia’s way, they can’t seem to wrestle it back.

The Diamonds, meanwhile, look ruthless and connected - their defence suffocating, their attack efficient, their leadership unshakable. With two wins from two and both by 17 goals, they head into Game 3 in full control of the series and brimming with confidence.

Heading to New Zealand for the last two games of the series, perhaps the change of scenery and a home crowd will lift the Ferns and put the Diamonds under pressure. After all, they haven’t beaten the Silver Ferns in their homeland since 2021.

For New Zealand, it’s back to the drawing board. The questions are starting to sound familiar - but the answers are proving harder to find.

Final Score: Australian Diamonds 68 - 51 New Zealand Silver Ferns

Player of the Match: Liz Watson (Australia)