2019 CONSTELLATION CUP NZ v AUS TEST 2 (Auckland)

Hadley needs to be the 13th player on Sunday and Thwaites should be given the opportunity to start with Tippett or Tegs.

I’m glad Bruce was given the start this game, I’ve consistently been calling her the best GK for Australia despite Klau’s obvious improvement so I’m glad she was able to go out and prove that. I enjoyed the Bruce/Klau combo, and wouldn’t mind seeing them switch positions, but I reckon Bruce in GK is the better option. With Klau out the front, it applies so much pressure (whether or not Klau getting that much ball) which allows Bruce to get a hand to everything, I don’t know whether it would produce the same amount of turnover ball the other way around though.
I thought Brazill had a much better game this time. I was one of the few people that was sceptical about whether Brazill would fit into the Diamonds, and after the first game, I wasn’t really swayed from that thinking, but in this game she did much better and made life really difficult for Saunders particularly.
Tippett had a great game, and her connection with CBass is growing, but still looks very clunky. I’m glad Philip had a good game, as she has struggled previously at the international stage. Her combo with CBass was good, and her combo with Tippett was great. I hope we can see some more of the Tippett/Philip combo as well as utilising the Vixens front end combo with maybe JLP or Hadley in C and Weston in WD (with the talls at the back).

I really enjoy listening to Noels and Laura

I think NT summed up the Constellation Cup in her comments nicely. For NZ, it isn’t so much about the cup but more the evolution of the team. It is exciting to see players like Burger and Souness getting substantial court time. Is Souness travelling to Aus?

Congratulations the Diamonds – excellent defensive pressure in particular. I really respect LA for developing combinations and giving most of the team court time. It was my first international live netball game, despite the loss, the talent on display was spectacular.

Ferns really need to learn how to play around Bruce and exploit her weaknesses. Must say, Bruce and Weston are a one of the most niggly and tight markings around in world netball. The Silver Ferns are playing a more slower game which I wonder if is playing into the hands of these two. It would be good if they had a strong holding GS to change up the attacking circle. Hope Wilson gets a run, but in the past she’s been bulldozed by Bruce too.
Sounness was great in her stint at WA, and really provided something different. Burger also was a standout given her inexperience. But her and Watson are a combination to watch for.
I’m anticipating the return of Miss F and hopefully seeing Watson pushed to GD. That’s going to be a delightful international combo to look out for.

Very surprising to see all those changes for Australia, particularly in the attacking third. Lisa A went into the series saying she was only going to play the best 7 and wouldn’t just rotate players to give everyone a go and here we go. I reckon this is going to be very handy for the diamonds going into the future. Having the ability to mix things up and still be able to win a game is excellent. Tippet is a monstrosity. Have always been a fan and as a Kiwi support I’m a tad bit scare of her athletic prowess. I think she is one of the most strongest, toughest and athletic netball players to grace the courts. Burger has strength but lacks height. Karaka has potential but would like her to muscle up a bit more to match Tippett.

Oh boy, Sunday is going to be exciting. I would still start Maria, Eke, Crampton (or Sounness) if all available