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Polished Diamonds too good for Silver Ferns

Despite an improved showing, the Silver Ferns could not prevent the Australian Diamonds surging to a 4-0 Constellation Cup clean sweep in Sydney today.

The hosts prevailed 58-42 in the fourth and final match-up but were made to work hard before powering away in the latter stages, the well-oiled Diamonds proving a tough nut to crack with their overall efficiency.

Having the opportunity to test a variety of combinations throughout the series, the Silver Ferns had their moments, competing strongly early on, but were left to rue an inability to nail their opportunities, of which they had their fair share.

The Silver Ferns presented with a new look starting seven which included Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Bailey Mes, making her 50th Test Match appearance, forming the starting shooting pairing for the first time in the series.

Samantha Sinclair (centre), Shannon Francois (wing attack), Kayla Cullen (wing defence) and Temalisi Fakahokotau (goalkeeper) were also included in the starting seven.

All the early flow, movement and action came from the visitors. With Selby-Rickit, Sinclair and Fakahokotau playing prominent roles in each third, the Silver Ferns made the perfect start when scoring the first five goals.

The Diamonds found their groove to get back on level terms, a tight tussle ensuing as the Silver Ferns edged to a 13-12 lead at the first break.

Both teams had numerous opportunities on the resumption, Fakahokotau showing her aerial ability with a clutch of turnovers before the Diamonds worked their way into the lead.

Maria Tutaia made her entrance for Mes midway through the spell, the Diamonds also shuffling their shooting circle with Caitlin Thwaites replacing her captain Caitlin Bassett under the hoop.

Both Tutaia and Thwaites added impact for their respective teams, the Diamonds finding extra flow, accuracy and space to build a 26-22 buffer at the main break.

With Gina Crampton coming on at wing attack and Francois moving to centre for the third stanza, the Silver Ferns had numerous opportunities to make their presence felt. Moving to within three several times and looking likely to make further inroads, there was a growing frustration from the visitors who were let down by a lack of accuracy in their execution.

Defender Courtney Bruce was a constant thorn for the Diamonds, the hosts making full use of their opportunities with pin-point circle edge feeds and quality shooting from Thwaites and Stephanie Wood to take a comfortable 40-31 lead at the last turn.