Constellation Cup Preview

  • October 4th, 2017
  • Camilla Chapman

This week marks the start of the Constellation Cup, an exciting series between two of the world's best Netball teams, Australia and New Zealand. With bragging rights and pride also at stake, here is our preview into what should be a terrific test series!

Who's playing and where?


The Constellation Cup is contested between the Australian Diamonds and the New Zealand Silver Ferns, who will do battle over four test matches for the Cup, with the first match taking place on the 5th of October in Auckland. The first two matches are played in New Zealand and then the series heads to Australia, where the final two matches will be played. In the event of the series finishing in a draw, it could go down to goal difference on who will pick up the trophy, as seen in 2015; Australia won the Cup because of a 2+ GD over the four matches.

The fixtures for the Constellation Cup are as follows:

  • Game 1: Thursday 5th October, Auckland NZ, 7:45pm local time
  • Game 2: Sunday 8th October, Christchurch NZ, 2pm local time
  • Game 3: Wednesday 11th October, Adelaide AUS, 7pm local time
  • Game 4: Saturday 14th October, Sydney AUS, 3pm local time

What's the history?


Since the first tournament in 2010, Australia have won every year apart from 2012, where New Zealand were victorious for the first time. However in the recent Quad Series, New Zealand came out on top in a close game, winning 57-47. The reigning champions will be looking to get back at their fierce rivals, with the Diamonds currently ranked the best in the world, with the Silver Ferns close behind in second.

But it's not only bragging rights at stake; both teams will view this as a good opportunity to look at their players ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games, which are being held on the Gold Coast in Australia. The final in Glasgow four years ago was contested by these two sides with Australia coming out on top - there is certainly a lot of history between these two rivals!

Who should we watch?


Keep an eye on the two captains for both teams, who are both experienced and talented. The Diamonds captain is goal-shooter Caitlin Bassett, who on the back of winning the Premiership with the Sunshine Coast Lightning, will be looking to add some goals for her team during the series. On the opposition side, Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant will be hoping to build on her sides win against Australia last month, and lead from the front in defence.

Make sure that you catch all of the action throughout the Constellation Cup series, with plenty of top Netball on display!