Silver Ferns

The Silver Ferns were unable to reverse the result of round-robin play when they lost to the same opponents by two goals, Australia going on to clinch a seventh title since the inception of the Quad Series in 2016.

RNZ reports the Silver Ferns couldn't have asked for a better start but struggled to maintain that impressive early form when ground down by a more consistent and accurate Diamonds.

With the prize for both teams being a place in the final, the Silver Ferns weathered a tenacious third-quarter comeback from the Roses with an impressive response in the run to the final whistle.

RNZ reports New Zealand was up by six goals at half time, but England were ahead by one early in the final stanza, before the Ferns took control again.

After scoring a comfortable 54-43 win over South Africa yesterday, the Proteas challenged the Ferns all the way.

The Ferns led by just one goal against the fifth world ranked side after the first quarter.

Sulu Fitzpatrick then replaced Kelly Jury at goal keep, in an attempt to tighten up the defensive end.

The Ferns led 28-25 at half time.

A plucky South Africa wouldn't go away - equalising with New Zealand midway through the third quarter.

They then took a three goal lead, while the New Zealand side started to look a bit shellshocked.

Coach Dame Noeline Taurua has named a team of 14 for the Silver Ferns' first overseas trip in two years as their Commonwealth Games campaign begins.

Defenders Phoenix Karaka and Kayla Johnson, who are both returning to the game after becoming mums for the first time, are set to wear the black dress again while Mystics ANZ Premiership winning shooter Filda Vui and Stars versatile midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan have been elevated to the Silver Ferns for the first time.

The Ferns will play England, Australia and South Africa.

Subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the four international sides will take to the court on 15, 16, 18 and 19 January at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Teams will play each other head-to-head once, with a third and fourth place game and a final to decide the winner.

Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said the series was an important part of the squad's preparation for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which get underway in July 2022.

The new Ferns squad members have both been included in New Zealand's 12-strong team for the series opener, with coach Noeline Taurua having trimmed her wider playing group from 18.

Hume and Metuaau are vying for the Ferns' goal attack bib in the absence of captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who's unavailable due to pregnancy.

Hume, 25, was the highest scoring GA in this year's ANZ Premiership and formed a strong partnership with Silver Ferns goal shoot Maia Wilson.

The first test is scheduled for Monday, September 20, with the second and third tests on Wednesday and Friday, respectively, as the series will be completed in five days.

England boarded a flight on Thursday (NZ time), and will go into managed quarantine upon arrival in Christchurch. Netball New Zealand continues to work with the government around the evolving Covid-19 outbreak and alert levels.

Following the series, England are preparing to extend their tour across the Tasman with a series against the Australian Diamonds.

“She had a grit and a fire about her that I haven't seen since for a player of her calibre,” said former New Zealand team-mate and friend Rhonda Wilcox.

Forsyth won two world titles and became known throughout New Zealand and the netball world for her shooting circle combination with Margharet Matenga.

‘The Two Margs’ – with Forsyth at goal attack and Matenga at goal shoot – became the best shooting circle combination in world netball, helping New Zealand to two World Cup titles.

Yesterday's 45-43 win in Christchurch featured another stunning second-half fightback from the Silver Ferns, something that became a trademark of the series, which they won 3-1.

Dame Noeline said winning the elusive cup was "massive" but the celebrations won't linger.

"They've been amazing games and I think we've all ridden the ups and downs of the whole week …it's good to seal that one, put it in the trophy [cabinet] and move on."

Dame Noeline said she got a lot of intel from the series and was happy to get all 14 squad members out on court.

Taurua will guide the Silver Ferns at next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has the chance to win back-to-back world titles in South Africa the following year.

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said they were delighted to retain the services of the world class coach.

"Noeline has a proven record at all levels and is an outstanding coach and leader. Just as importantly she has played a major role in driving our high performance netball community in the same direction," she said.