Constellation Cup Game 3 Preview
Sunday 26 October 2025 – Globox Arena (Hamilton, NZ)
The Constellation Cup now shifts across the Tasman, with the Australian Diamonds leading 2-0 and just one win away from returning the trophy to their cabinet. But the challenge ramps up from here; the Diamonds haven’t beaten the Silver Ferns in New Zealand since 2021, and the hosts will be desperate to keep that streak alive.
For New Zealand, it’s all about producing a complete four-quarter performance. In both opening Tests, the Ferns were competitive early before one blowout quarter undid their hard work. Fixing that lapse - mentally and structurally - will be key if they’re to keep the series alive.
A big part of that solution lies in their delivery to Grace Nweke. The towering shooter has been a tireless target, often double-teamed, but she needs better supply and higher volume if the Ferns are to challenge Australia’s defensive wall. Georgia Heffernan showed in Game 2 how impactful she can be when given space and ball - she was active, accurate, and constantly drew defenders away from Nweke. A starting role feels overdue.
By contrast, the Diamonds have found their rhythm. Sophie Garbin has been unstoppable, combining poise, power and precision under the post, while Australia’s midcourt has hummed with cohesion. Stacey Marinkovich now faces an interesting call - stick with the proven starting seven, or use the cushion of a 2-0 lead to experiment? Either way, the Diamonds will want to make a statement on foreign soil.
If I Were the Coach
For the Diamonds
My starting seven:
GS Garbin | GA Horjus | WA Watson | C Moloney | WD Price | GD Garrett | GK Bruce
Garbin is a no-brainer: her form across the opening two games has been world-class. I’d start Horjus alongside her. She’s made an impact every time she’s come on, and while Kiera Austin has been excellent, I’d love to see how Horjus starts the match. If it’s not clicking, it’s an easy swap - Austin and Garbin’s chemistry is too good to leave on the bench for long. I’d also give Cara Koenen a solid half at GS to help her find her rhythm again, depending on how the game sits.
In the midcourt, Watson, Moloney and Price remain the engine room - reliable, tough and disciplined. But I’d bring Parmenter into WD at either quarter or half-time to build her connection with Moloney and Garrett.
In defence, Bruce is a sure starter, and I’d start Garrett in GD to reward her minutes and test her match-up against Heffernan, who’s likely to start. I’d look to bring Klau on in the second or third quarter to rotate the circle, then possibly Aryang later for fresh legs - though if the game is tight, I’d revert to the proven combinations that have worked so well in Games 1 and 2.
For the Silver Ferns
My starting seven:
GS Nweke | GA Heffernan | WA Gordon | C Heffernan | WD Mason | GD Burger | GK Jury
In attack, Nweke and Heffernan are my clear choices. Nweke is the rock, and Heffernan complements her beautifully; she’s mobile, composed, and clinical. Salmon remains a handy option off the bench, particularly once Heffernan tires the Diamonds defence.
To spark something different, I’d bring Gordon into WA. Her feeding has been confident and creative, and pairing her with Heffernan (in C) could add energy and variation. The Heffernan twins’ connection is intuitive - and that could be key to unlocking Nweke more cleanly. Poi and Reuelu-Buchanan are excellent change-ups if it’s not working.
Defensively, Burger stays in GD. She’s at her best there and would match up well on Horjus with her speed and tagging ability. At WD, I’d start Mason. She’s physical, tenacious, and could challenge Watson’s rhythm. Her brief? Disrupt, distract and do anything in her power to put the Diamonds captain off her game.
Jury remains the best option at GK, but she needs to change her approach against Garbin: push her higher, break the link with Horjus, and use her feet to get around the body. If that fails, I’d be bold: bring on Hall at GK or switch Mason into GD and Burger back to GK. At this point, why not try something different?
With the Diamonds chasing the Cup and the Ferns desperate to stay alive, Invercargill is set for a fierce and fascinating contest. Expect tactical tweaks, a fiery home crowd, and perhaps a few surprises from both coaches.
Centre pass: 1:10pm AEDT | 12:10pm AEST | 3:10pm NZDT, Sunday 26 October
Venue: Globox Arena (Hamilton, NZ)
Broadcast: Fox Netball & Kayo (AUS) | Sky Sport (NZ)
