Australia 48
Silver Ferns 43
Australia have struck the first blow in the race for Commonwealth Games gold, after the Silver Ferns wilted in the pressure-filled final stages of last night's opening test in Adelaide.
The Diamonds now head to New Zealand for the final two tests in Wellington and Auckland in a strong position to become the first holders of the Constellation Cup.
The new trophy was unveiled on the eve of the opening test and will be awarded at the end of each transtasman netball series.
With the Ferns leading 36-35 heading into the final quarter and Australian coach Norma Plummer still to settle on her line up for Delhi, she took the opportunity to throw a couple of her bench players in at the deep end, introducing Kimberlee Green at wing attack and 1.96m defender Susan Fuhrmann at goal keep.
Under such intense pressure Fuhrmann excelled, with her height and long reach causing problems for the New Zealand attack.
The feeders struggled to sight van Dyk, while the veteran shooter did not look comfortable on the shot, putting up just four goals in the final quarter, succeeding with only two - the others spectacularly blocked by Fuhrmann.
Plummer believes Fuhrmann was the deciding factor in the match. The Australian coach said she had no qualms turning to her bench at such a critical juncture in the match and had confidence Fuhrmann could do the job.
"I think it develops a lot of character. Susan didn't flinch."
Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken was disappointed her side struggled to adjust to the change in the defensive end. But she has confidence van Dyk will respond strongly in Wellington for Thursday night's second test. "I think it's actually about reminding Irene of the variety of skills she has and ensuring that she uses them," said Aitken.
The New Zealand coach will need her entire team to lift the intensity in Wellington, discouraged by the lack of resilience in the final quarter. "To have let it go in that last quarter is disappointing."
Plummer signalled her intentions on beating the aerial New Zealand defence with speed and precision, starting with a smaller shooting line-up of captain Sharelle McMahon at goal shoot and Natalie Medhurst at goal attack. The duo produced some quality moments with slick interplay.
The visitors pounced on the Diamonds' mistakes, taking an 8-4 lead midway through the first spell. But Australia came back on the back of some strong midcourt defence, to level the score at 12-all at the first break.
With Australia up 23-21 at halftime, Aitken rejigged her midcourt, bringing on Liana Barrett-Chase at wing attack and pushing George and Laura Langman back a spot, while Joline Henry came off.
New Zealand rediscovered their flow on attack and by the final turn had their noses narrowly in front, but Australia showed superior composure down the stretch.
