Netball: Silver Ferns unravel with key playmakers targeted

Courtney Bruce of Australia fights for the ball with Grace Nweke during the Constellation Cup. Photosport

The Silver Ferns have been exposed in the third test of the Constellation Cup against Australia, going down 62-47 in Melbourne.

Heading across the ditch with a 2-0 lead, there was an air of confidence among the Ferns, having played an impressive brand of netball at home. But test three was different from the get-go.

Playing at home meant a lot to the Diamonds. It was their first game in Australia for 1088 days, and their start proved how much that meant to them.

The injection of Jo Weston into the squad also made an instant impact. Her ability to play a tight and physical game interrupted the flow of New Zealand's attack. It put doubt into captain and goal attack Ameliaranne Ekenasio's mind, which resulted in her being sidelined midway through the second quarter.

The Ferns attack was thrown into disarray. The absence of wing attack Peta Toeava, who was a standout in the opening two tests, meant they had to play at a new pace. But the Aussies didn't give them an inch, and the Ferns didn't have much of a response.

Coach Dame Noeline Taurua made it clear she was going to make changes during the third and fourth tests, but she made too many throughout the match, similar to Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich in the first two tests, which was detrimental.

The wing attack role is a concern for the Ferns heading into the final test on Sunday. Maddy Gordon and Kimiora Poi aren't specialist wing attacks, and although they showed glimpses, are not up to the standard of Toeava.

Whitney Souness, who has played wing attack for majority of her career, should have been put in the WA bib and Kate Heffernan, Poi or Gordon could have taken the centre role.

Weston being back in the Diamonds also is an issue for the Ferns. She played Ekenasio out of the third test, to no surprise as she's developed into a world-class player.

Weston's combination with Courtney Bruce is lethal, and they proved why they are the best defensive pairing in the game – finishing the match with eight gains between them.

The partnership between Ekenasio and goal shoot Grace Nweke can't be broken down if the Ferns are to win the final match. As long as the Ferns can score off their own centre passes, they will be able to compete.

The general play turnovers also need to be addressed. New Zealand finished the third test with 26, compared to Australia's 16. Reducing unforced errors is critical to their chances of victory.

The 15-goal win to Australia means whoever wins Sunday's final match on the Gold Coast wins the series.