Appropriately for the special day of history shared between Australia and New Zealand, the Pulse and Swifts drew 47-47 in Wellington.
The Pulse appeared to blow their chances in the final quarter. Shooting wobbles and other errors handed the Swifts a five-goal lead with four minutes left. The Pulse replied with an unanswered five-goal burst. It was the Swifts' third draw this season.
Both teams sit third in their respective conferences but could be overtaken by the end of the ninth round.
Goal attack Jodi Brown and captain Katrina Grant stood out for the Pulse. Brown shot at 84 per cent (21 from 25) while team-mate Ameliaranne Wells delivered 79 per cent (26 from 33). Swifts shooters Susan Pettitt and Caitlin Thwaites showed synergy with percentages of 85 and 86 per cent respectively.
The physicality ensured a mounting penalty count against both sides, but neither looked like backing off.