The Silver Ferns have been thrashed by Australia 62-50 at home in Auckland tonight.
Katrina Grant competes against Gretel Tippett in the 2016 Constellation Cup. Photo: PhotoSport
Australia have taken a two-one lead with one hand firmly on the Constellation Cup, heading into the fourth and final match in Invercargill on Thursday.
The Ferns couldn't back up their surprise victory on Wednesday night in Launceston, and were once again outplayed by a classy Australian outfit.
The Silver Ferns' first quarter was a vast improvement on their previous two matches against the Diamonds, ending at 13-all after 15 minutes.
Australian sharp shooter Caitllin Bassett wasn't up to her usual standards in the first quarter, making just 11 of 15 attempts, while New Zealand's goal shoot Bailey Mes was perfect from her first 11 attempts.
Bassett's slow start could be contributed to the immense pressure Ferns goal keep Anna Harrison and captain Katrian Grant put her under.
Laura Langman once again started in wing defence to try and break up the combination of Bassett and wing attack Madi Robinson.
The second quarter went in favour of the visitors, through turnovers and two intercepts down New Zealand's attacking end.
Australia's goal keep Sharni Layton produced two key turnovers to give her side the edge 29-25 at half time.
Maria Tutaia returned to the shooting circle for New Zealand for the first time this year at goal attack in the second half.
She made an immediate impact, netting her first goal within a minute and a half of the third quarter starting, but then struggled to find her rhythm, making just four of her first seven attempts.
New Zealand's defence and mid court also began to falter, letting Australia get out to an 8-goal lead by the end of the quarter.
The Silver Ferns made a number of changes to their line up, Anna Harrison moved into wing defence while Jane Watson replaced her at goal keep, Laura Langman moved into centre while Shannon Francois took a spot on the bench.
Midway through the final quarter the hosts made another change, taking off shooter Bailey Mes in favour of Te Paea Selby Rickit.
Despite the changes, the Ferns were unable to break Australia's mammoth lead.
Australia's shooter Caitlin Bassett broke her own record for most goals in one game, making 56 from 65 attempts while Mes made 22 from 24 for New Zealand.
Silver Ferns boss Janine Southby said her side simply didn't have enough urgency to stem the flow of ball towards the 193cm Bassett.
On-court complacency had cost them dearly after their surprise two-point win in Launceston on Wednesday.
"They really stepped up the pressure on us on the body and I don't think we could cope with that at times, that takes a bit of a toll," Southby said.
"They were letting the ball go in and they really improved their passing accuracy."
See how the test went down with RNZ's live blog of the game here.
