New Zealand has demonstrated its goal of establishing a different netball hierarchy after defeating the Diamonds to begin the Constellation Cup. The gold medal winners from the Commonwealth Games continued their form in Auckland, achieving a 56-50 win to open the series at Spark Arena on Sunday.

The world number one team felt the absence of key players Jo Weston, who was managed, and Kate Moloney with a finger injury. They were still emotional from their bronze medal finish in Glasgow. Australia experienced a surprising semi-final loss to Jamaica, missing out on the gold medal match for the first time since netball joined the Games in 1998.

Long considered second to the Diamonds, the Silver Ferns now have a chance to further challenge the established order before the World Cup next year. A sweep of the four-game series would see New Zealand claim the top world ranking from Australia for the first time since 2013.

Coach Stacey Marinkovich acknowledges that Australia is still dealing with the disappointment from Glasgow. She noted possible tension entering the match following the Commonwealth Games result and emphasized the need to process and move past that experience.

Grace Nweke dominated with 40 goals from 41 attempts, impacting Diamonds goalkeeper Courtney Bruce in her 100th match. Captain Karin Burger and goalkeeper Kelly Jackson limited Australia's attackers including Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, Cara Koenen and Sophie Dwyer.

The Silver Ferns took a 15-10 lead after the first quarter with a strong run from Nweke. Marinkovich introduced debutant Jessie Grenvold early to try to limit Nweke's impact.

The coach also adjusted the attack by bringing back Dwyer, who had not played since her missed shot in the loss to Jamaica. Dwyer had sat out the bronze medal game against England. New Zealand extended their advantage in the second quarter to a 10-goal lead with another burst from Nweke.

In an unusual move for the Diamonds, Marinkovich removed captain Liz Watson and brought in Jamie-Lee Price for centre in the second half. Despite a late rally where Australia scored 17 goals to New Zealand's 11 in the final quarter, the effort fell short.

Marinkovich sees this as a warning for Australia, noting the benefits New Zealand gained from Super Netball experience. She praised their clinical play under pressure and how the league has enhanced their skills in key moments.