12 Oct 2022

Silver Ferns beat world number one Australia

10:25 pm on 12 October 2022

The Silver Ferns have beaten world number one Australia 56-48 in the first test of the Constellation Cup in Auckland.

New Zealand's Ameliaranne Ekenasio and team mates during the national anthem.

New Zealand's Ameliaranne Ekenasio and team mates during the national anthems. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Silver Ferns got off to a flying start when they went on a 10 goal unbeaten run in the first quarter to lead 20-9 at the first break.

But the Diamonds made some changes for the second quarter and won the second period.

New Zealand led 31-23 at half time.

Australia continued to close in on the Silver Ferns lead - getting to within three in the third quarter.

But a dominant final quarter secured the victory for New Zealand.

The Silver Ferns shot at 92 percent accuracy compared to Australia's 79 percent.

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua didn't make any changes to her starting seven.

New Zealand defender Phoenix Karaka was named the MVP for the game.

The second Test is in Tauranga this Sunday before the series heads across the Tasman for the final two games.