Aussie sporting invasion of Auckland

Australian captains Liz Ellis (netball) and Darren Lockyer (league) are playing down their chances. Sandra Mu / Getty Images

New Zealand's league and netball teams go into tonight's big clashes with their Australian counterparts smarting from defeats in their previous encounters.

The Silver Ferns have had only two days to get over the loss to the Aussies in Wellington on Thursday, while the Kiwis have had since May to reflect on the 50-12 defeat in the ANZAC test.

But Australian netball captain Liz Ellis said that though beating the Silver Ferns was a huge achievement, it is too soon to celebrate. She said that now she has had a chance to look at the tape from the match, there are certainly things her side could do better.

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos are not gloating either. Captain Darren Lockyer said Stacey Jones did not play in May's match and he is the man to watch tonight.

Tonight's other big sporting event is the second Air New Zealand Cup semi-final between Waikato and Otago in Hamilton.

TONIGHT'S ACTION

* Waikato v Otago, 7.35pm, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, Live on Live on Sky Sport 1, delayed on Prime from 9.30pm

* Silver Ferns v Australia, 7.45pm, Waitakere Stadium, Auckland, live on TV One

* Kiwis v Australia, 8.10pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, live on Sky Sport 2, delayed on Maori TV from 9pm

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZHERALD STAFF