LIVE COMMENTARY (Be sure to refresh your browser for latest update)
New Zealand – 53 Australia - 52
FULLTIME - Click here for a full wrap.
0:28 - NZ trying to run the clock down.
2:18 - Ekenasio can't sink the long shot. Aussie come back down the court and tie the game.
3:43 - Bassett scores to cut it to one.
5:05 - Ekenasio cashes in on the Langman steal.
6:00 - Folau scores twice to put NZ back up by two.
7:30 - Ekenasio fakes the shot and link with Folau.
9:30 - Lovely feed from Langman to Folau to tie the game up.
11:20 - Folau grabs one back, two point deficit now.
12:40 - Ekenasio drains a deep straightaway shot to cut the gap to two.
14:15 - Baskets traded to open the final quarter. NZ really need some defensive stops here.
End of third quarter NZ-39, Aus-44
1:00 - Australia with all the momentum now as they push ahead by five.
4:03 - Australia fight back with a trio of baskets for Bassett to claim their first lead since the first quarter.
8:20 - Folau lands from close rnage.
12:15 - Great look from Langman to find Folau wide open under the basket.
14:45 - Aussie score immediately to tie the game
HALFTIME
Second quarter NZ -26, Aus-25
00:10 - Two quick baskets as the half ends to close the gap for Australia.
1:25 - Ekenasio has made 17 of her 18 attempts so far.
2:55 - Another NZ turnover and Bassett basket to cut the deficit.
3:30 - Aussie intercept, Bassett makes NZ pay at the other end.
6:30 - Short, sharp passing from the Ferns finished well by Ekenasio.
8:23 - Rore holding fast on the edge of the circle, another steal. Ekenasio cashes in to stretch the lead to five.
11:45 - Folau from the baseline for one more.
13:30 - Folau and Langman combine - buckets.
13:55 - NZ defence holding tight and they secure another turnover.
14:20 - Ekenasio with her first miss of the match.
End of first quarter - NZ 13, Aus 11
0:45 - Langman interception, but Ekenasio can't find Folau underneath.
1:45 - Couple of sloppy turnovers both ways. Folau lands another from long range.
4:00 - Bassett scores again for Australia to cut the deficit.
8:18 - Ekenasio in the action now as NZ edge ahead by two.
10:35 - Folau back-to-back buckets to tie the game.
12:05 - Great out of bounds save by Langman results in a Folau basket.
13:00 - Australia edge ahead early via Bassett.
14:40 - Bassett opens the scoring with a bucket underneath, and Folau replies.
4:15pm - Player introductions are underway.
4:02pm - Both teams are warming up out on the court at Horncastle Arena in front of a jam-packed crowd. Shouldn't be too far away from the opening pass.
3:40pm - Here's the starting seven for your world champion Silver Ferns.
Kia ora and welcome to live updates of the first Constellation Cup test, which doubles as the long-awaited World Cup final rematch between the Silver Ferns and Australia.
Commentary will be available from 4pm.
TAB betting odds: NZ - $2.55 Australia - $1.45
Silver Ferns: Laura Langman (captain), Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maria Folau, Phoenix Karaka, Bailey Mes, Katrina Rore, Shannon Saunders, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson (Australian leg only).
Pre-match banter
Silver Ferns stick with World Cup formula
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua has stuck to a winning formula, naming most of her Netball World Cup-winning side for next month's Constellation Cup series against Australia.
Defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson comes in for veteran Casey Kopua, who announced her retirement at the end of the World Cup campaign in July.
The rest of the squad remains, but shooter Maia Wilson has been added for the two tests across the Tasman in Sydney and Perth.
Midcourter Laura Langman will captain the team.
"The Constellation Cup is an opportunity for us to continue to grow and learn as a group, and build on the gains we had made at the Netball World Cup," said Taurua.
"We cannot afford to rest on our laurels and think one Cup is enough. The players who have been selected have once again met the fitness standards that are required to play the international game.
"The trans-Tasman battle is arguably one of the fiercest netball rivalries ever. The Constellation Cup now has an added sting to it, considering our last encounter at the worlds."
Meanwhile, former New Zealand defender and coach Yvonne Willering, and Australian Jane Woodlands-Thompson will serve as assistant coaches for the tour, with regular Deb Fuller unavailable for the series.
"Yvonne and Jane are master coaches," Taurua added. "They have so many years of experience behind them.
"They will bring fresh ideas, challenge our thinking, strengthen our current strategies and help us to continue to grow our game. Personally, I feel privileged to work alongside them.
"It has been an amazing year for the Silver Ferns in winning the Netball World Cup. It is important that we build on the momentum from that experience and strengthen our base, so we can consistently perform at the highest level.
"This Constellation Cup is the first step in the overall plan."
The Silver Ferns will come into camp in Christchurch on October 8 to prepare for the two tests in New Zealand, with the first match scheduled for five days later at Horncastle Arena.
The second Constellation Cup encounter at Auckland's Spark Arena on October 16 will mark the 150th test between the two nations.
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