Live: Australia hoping to avoid clean sweep in Constellation Cup
New Zealand holds an unassailable 3-0 lead heading into the final game in Melbourne.
Quick Look
New Zealand's Silver Ferns face Australia's Diamonds in Melbourne aiming for their first-ever clean sweep in the 16-year history of the Constellation Cup series, holding a 3-0 lead ahead of the final match.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Constellation Cup series began in 2010 and has only been clean swept twice before, in 2014 and 2017.
New Zealand could do something they haven’t done in 16 years.
Since the series began in 2010 it has only ever been clean swept twice (2014, 2017) and never by the Silver Ferns.
There's pride at stake for the Aussies, who will do their best to try and prevent that historic defeat. But the results aren't looking great so far for them ahead of a home Netball World Cup next August in Sydney. This is their final international game before the major tournament and their last chance to build some confidence.
In case you missed it, a reminder of what happened in game three in Sydney. The Diamonds were the better team for the majority of the game before being overthrown in the final quarter.
In front on the scoreboard 41-39 at three-quarter time in a gripping contest, Australian fans were starting to hope before the Silver Ferns rattled off seven straight goals to begin the final quarter and wrangle control of the game.
It was a frantic end to the match, the physicality went up a notch and although the Diamonds fought hard to level the score 47-all with five minutes left to play, the Silver Ferns were more disciplined defensively and slicker in transition. They treasured any possession they won back and ultimately finished the match on top 52-49. You can read our report on the match below.
Hi there, welcome back to ABC Sport's coverage of the 2026 Constellation Cup. Brittany Carter reporting for live blogging duties ahead of the fourth and final game.
The Kiwi side has been so dominant throughout this trans-Tasman contest that they head into tonight's match in Melbourne with an unassailable 3-0 lead. It's the fourth time they've claimed the trophy in 16 series and just months after winning Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow they're also on the brink of pinching the world ranking number one ranking spot from the Aussie Diamonds.
SCHEDULE
Game 1: Sunday 18 October, 5:40pm AEDT — Auckland
New Zealand won 56-50
Game 2: Wednesday 21 October, 5:40pm AEDT — Christchurch
New Zealand won 62-50
Game 3: Sunday 25 October, 4:00pm AEDT — Sydney
New Zealand won 52-49
Game 4: Wednesday 28 October, 7:30pm AEDT — Melbourne
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Game 4 of the Constellation Cup will take place in Melbourne.
Very likely · Within hours
Open Questions
- Will New Zealand achieve their first-ever clean sweep?
- Can Australia secure a win before the Netball World Cup?