-
Australia celebrate victory over the Silver Ferns in the World Championship Final - Source: Getty Images
New Zealand Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds at Burswood Dome Perth at 4pm
Head to head: Australia 61 New Zealand 40 Drawn 2
Last clash: Australia beat New Zealand 58-57 in Singapore
TAB: Australia $1.65, New Zealand $2.15
The Silver Ferns get their first chance to avenge some of the heartache from their World Championship loss to their arch-rivals in Singapore three months ago.The winner of this Test will go 2-1 up in the series for the Constellation Cup after the team's split a two match series in June.
There's been a few changes for the Ferns since that heart-breaking loss in Singapore, with a new coach on deck. Ruth Aitken's long-time assistant Wai Taumaunu takes the reigns for the first time and has a tough first up assignment with an away series against the World Champions.
Australia also have a new coach after Norma Plummer stepped down following the Diamonds' World Championship win. She has been replaced by former Adelaide Thunderbirds assistant Lisa Alexander.
New Zealand will be without their captain Casey Williams who underwent surgery on a troublesome ankle injury. However that loss is negated by the absence of Australian captain Natalie von Bertouch, who is also sidelined by injury.
Ferns goal-keep Katrina Grant is also out with an injury which is likely to see veteran Anna Scarlett and Leanna de Bruin line up at the back, while promising youngster Kayla Cullen may also see some court time. Goal shoot Cathrine Latu is also set to see some more time after she made a successful start to her Silver Ferns career in the recent Test series against England.
Both teams come off the back of convincing series wins over an under-strength English outfit. England couldn't get within 20 goals of the Ferns in their two Tests, however Australia were tested in the third Test of the series, registering just a four goal win.
Tip: Australia by 3