Australia has won the last netball Test of the year in Brisbane, beating New Zealand by 43 points to 41.
But New Zealand win the series on goal difference, thanks to their 46 - 41 win in the first game last weekend in Melbourne.
In a close match, tough Australian defence led by their captain Monia Gerrard in midcourt was key.
The Diamonds also put up more shots than the Silver Ferns, who often struggled to get the ball into the shooting circle.
The hosts went out to another early lead -- but unlike the previous Test, Australia only won the first quarter by a point, 12 - 11.
The two teams couldn't be separated in the next two quarters and heading into the last quarter Australia led 33 - 32, but closed it out to win by two points.
And although the Silver Ferns' shooting percentage was higher with Maria Tutaia missing just one shot all night, that miss was unfortunately when the Ferns were trailing by two with just over a minute left.
Wendy Telfer replaced Joline Henry for the last quarter to make her debut at wing defence and brought an increased physicality.
But Telfer says individual errors cost them.
Silver Ferns goalkeeper Casey Williams says Australia also moved the ball quicker and adjusted better to the umpires' interpretations.
