Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua admits her team have put the Constellation Cup equation to the back of their minds, as they prepare for the series decider against Australia at Auckland.
After dropping the opening two games across the Tasman, the NZ women have kept the contest alive with victory at Invercargill, but must now defeat the world champions by 17 goals, if they hope to lift the silverware for only the third time in its 13-year history.
The four-game series has finished tied at 2-2 on three previous occasions, with the Aussies prevailing on points difference each time. Last year, the Ferns took both home games by a combined 12 goals, but could not contain their rivals across the ditch, losing by 19.
Dame Noeline concedes they face a tough challenge at Spark Arena on Monday.
"We know it's 17 points for us to take the trophy," she said. "We do have that etched in our mind, but we haven't talked about it too much with regards to processes or specifically going after that 17.
"I think we'd be deluded, if we did, but also knowing that it's possible for us. We're looking for the win, but also getting our product better out on court - that would be the focus."
Such a margin is not without precedent. New Zealand enjoyed their biggest winning margin of 25 goals against Australia at Auckland's Trust Stadium in 2005, but the Ferns are coming off a disappointing fourth at the World Cup.
They lost the services of star shooter Grace Nweke during poolplay and never recovered, as the defence of their crown fell flat.
With several key players unavailable or retired, Taurua has used the recent Taini Jamison Trophy series against England and this Constellation campaign to test new combinations throughout the court.
"Every game, I can see we're actually getting better, the combinations are getting tighter and we're starting to get that invisible thread or connections a bit better," she said. "This is another game we can improve on that and I'll be rapt if we can do that.
"I still feel, at certain moments, there are gaps - not that we let them in - but there is a lack of discipline on our own behalf or turning over the ball.
"I'd like to get that a bit more complete and hopefully we can push for the win, and you never know... that 17, who says we can't."
Nweke has been eased back into action over the past two encounters, limited to just three quarters at Invercargill. Dame Noeline extracted her from the game midway through the third period and brought her back in the final minutes to close out the victory.
"Today has been her last training and we'll be able to see how she pulls up," said Taurua. "Hopefully, we get four quarters.
"In saying that, I'm really liking what [rookie Amelia Walmsley] is doing."
Join Newshub at 4pm Monday for live updates of the Silver Ferns v Diamonds Constellation Cup decider
