2023 Constellation Cup (Oct)

Gosh I wish the Con Cup was a 5 test series. Ferns could very well win again on Monday, but highly unlikely to be the required 16 goals.

Exciting game. I thought Austin lost it for the Diamonds in the first half. Should have been subbed off. Jury and Nweke played well. Would be interesting to see Nweke play in the ssn.
Wonder if the Ferns will have the consistency to string two wins in a row over Australia.

I think Australia’s problem in the short term is that they do not have a viable change at GA except perhaps Koenan. I just don’t think that Dwyer is ready in this kind of game/this level, but I would love her to prove me wrong.

SFs played well, I think they can improve so much from here, which is a little scary. It certainly isn’t a polished product.

I also think that Liz Watson’s postgame comment that they weren’t clinical in the big moments is spot on. A few of the errors, like the breaking instance in the first half, really robbed them of momentum and we’re uncharacteristic – although SFs also brought so much more pressure this match.

JLP came on well, but I felt they needed Hadley back later in the game. Also felt Watson at times looked a bit tired.
Couldn’t understand why there wasn’t a positional switch between Klau and Bruce.

Looking forward to game 4.

A great game to watch. Well done to NZ.

My take from the series so far, if Austin isn’t on, we won’t win. Dwyer needs more court time asap.

Dwyer should have been brought on today. She’s never really gotten a chance at international level and what they needed was someone who was able to shoot accurately when Garbin was being double teamed.

Austin looks a bit tired, she’s carried a big load the last few tests. Hopefully she bounces back well in the next test. I wouldn’t even mind seeing her at GS with Koenen at GA, that worked quite nicely at the CC during lockdown in NZL.

Aryang has been a revelation at WD. She’s impressed me more there than at GD to be honest. A great asset for Fever and the Diamonds.

I have a slightly different view to others. I wouldn’t have brought Dwyer on. I would have actually tried Hadley in WA. Yes there were missed shots but right from the start NZ’s defence was far tighter and the Diamonds were struggling to penetrate through. They lacked a target up front which to Garbin’s credit she brought.

Watson was in no way poor but wasn’t at her absolute best. Multiple options were tried in every other position in attack so why not Hadley in WA? Price entered well in C and links nicely with Austin.

Dwyer has a lovely shot but her court craft is still a WIP. Diamonds needed strong drives and penetrate to cut through. At Giants Dwyer has her personal on court coach (Harten) constantly telling her where to run. She will get there but I’d use the South Africa series for that and based on the team selected looks like they will.

Very intrigued to see what Diamonds do with the 4th midcourt spot long term. Aryang has both hands on the WD bib spot so I don’t believe a WD specialist is needed. Helps Moloney. But given that Price and Hadley could cover it as well do they look to bring through a WA change up?

Credit to NZ. They lifted their defensive pressure immensely. Heffernan in particular was much better this game.