The Diamonds have set their sights on bringing extra grit and mongrel to the courtroom as they try to keep away from gifting arch rivals New Zealand the Constellation Cup.
Australia are 2-0 down within the four-match sequence after struggling 64-50 and 63-52 losses in New Zealand.
If the Diamonds win Sunday’s match in Perth and observe it up with a win in Melbourne subsequent Wednesday, additional time might be performed to find out which nation are topped the Constellation Cup champions.
The Australian squad should not panicking regardless of the poor shows in New Zealand, nevertheless it stays to be seen whether or not coach Stacey Marinkovich will swing the axe for Sunday’s must-win match.
Marinkovich already made a giant assertion in sport two by benching captain Liz Watson after the primary quarter.
Defender Rudy Ellis, who made her Diamonds debut in opposition to England final month, stated the crew is aware of what they should do to beat New Zealand.
“It takes a variety of grit, a little bit of mongrel in defence and simply that resilience in assault,” Ellis stated.
“I feel (the 2-0 deficit) simply conjures up us much more, to actually put completely every little thing on the market.
“It is do or die. I feel we work very well below stress, so I am actually wanting ahead to the problem.
“I do not assume our confidence has been affected an excessive amount of. We’re a reasonably constructive bunch.
“We’re simply actually excited to step on the market once more and have this problem forward of us.”
The Diamonds are but to seek out a solution to star Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke, who scored 50 objectives in sport one and 47 objectives in sport two.
Nweke is 193cm tall, and Diamonds defender Sunday Aryang stated it was crucial to restrict her provide.
“Grace does have some nice kind in the meanwhile,” Aryang stated.
“I feel for us, it is simply working collectively in that circle, with the ability to stand up for these balls and even slowing it down as a lot as doable outdoors of the circle.
“So long as we will shut down what’s taking place outdoors, it ought to carry some impression within the (circle).”
New Zealand final held the Constellation Cup in 2022, and Australia are decided to say the crown for a 3rd straight yr.
AAP
