A dreadful third quarter from the Silver Ferns saw them drop the fourth and final Constellation Cup match against Australia on Sunday, losing their grip on the trophy.
Up by five goals at halftime, New Zealand lost the third quarter 19-to-8 and never recovered, losing the test 57-goals-to-53.
The physicality of the Australian Diamonds proved too much for the Silver Ferns at times, and there were question marks about some of the personnel changes made by coach Dame Noeline Taurua.
