The Silver Ferns have battled back from another halftime deficit to beat Australia 45-43 and lift the Constellation Cup for the first time in nine years.
Karin Burger (right) and Kiera Austin of Australia tussle for possession in the fourth Constellation Cup test. Photo: Photosport
Barely 24 hours after their 55-49 third-test win - when they trailed by five at halftime - the Silver Ferns fought back in front of sell-out crowd in Christchurch to grab another come-from-behind win.
The victory meant they won took a 3-1 win in the four-match series, lifting the trophy for the first time since 2012, when Waimarama Taumaunu was coach.
The Diamonds suffocated the Ferns on defence and finished the first quarter with a 12-6 lead, losing little ground in the second quarter to go into the main break 22-17 in front.
New Zealand's defenders had kept them in touch early in the second stanza, generating plenty of turnovers as the Ferns scored the first five goals only for the Australians to roar back.
When the Diamonds scored the first three goals to start the third quarter to lead 25-17, New Zealand coach Dame Noeline Taurua made changes.
She tweaked the circle defence, bringing Karin Burger on at goal defence and moving Jane Watson back to keeper to replace Sulu Fitzpatrick.
Gina Crampton came on for Shannon Saunders at wing attack for fresh legs in the midcourt, and almost immediately the Silver Ferns went on a seven-goal run.
The Ferns had rediscovered their mojo but Australia hung on to lead 31-30 at three-quarter time.
With 11 minutes remaining in the final spell, the New Zealanders levelled the scores at 34-34.
The two teams matched each other goal for goal until Ferns goal shoot Maia Wilson sunk three in a row with just over two minutes left on the clock for the match-winning break.
