Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio in action in the second test. Photo: Photosport NZ / Andrew Cornaga
The Constellation Cup is still on the line after the Australian Diamonds beat the Silver Ferns 62-47 in the third netball Test in Melbourne.
The Ferns lead the series 2-1, with the final test on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
The Australian defenders upped the ante, and put huge pressure on the Silver Ferns' attackers.
Australia led 15-11 after the first quarter.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua made a raft of changes throughout the game but the Ferns couldn't close in on Australia.
A better third quarter from the Silver Ferns saw them get to within five goals.
But Australia led 46-38 at the final turn, and ran rampant in the fourth quarter.
The defending Constellation Cup champion Silver Ferns have everything to play for in the decider.
On the back foot from the outset on Wednesday night in Melbourne, the Silver Ferns worked through their entire playing contingent and multiple combinations in a bid to blunt a rampant Australia, who turned on their best form of the series to haul themselves back into contention, but ultimately were outplayed for much of the match.
With three Silver Ferns players getting their opportunities in the Australian leg of the series, Maddy Gordon was given the start at wing attack while fellow midcourter Kimiora Poi and defender Elle Temu were named on the bench.
For Australia, goal shoot Sophie Garbin was handed a first international start after making her Diamonds debut during the first test of the series in Auckland while experienced defender Jo Weston was injected into the line-up for the home leg.
Sliver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua made a raft of changes during the second stanza with Poi (wing attack), Temu (goal defence), Te Paea Selby-Rickit (goal attack) and Kayla Johnson (wing defence) all being injected at various stages.
Slipping 10 goals in arrears, the play-making Selby-Rickit helped shooter Grace Nweke find her groove with quick off-loads and a real sense of purpose in a bid to shake off the relentless Australian defenders. Sitting in a deep hole and despite their best efforts, the Silver Ferns found the going tough in attempting to repair the damage.
With Australia's attacking line in slick unison and suffocating defensive pressure, the Diamonds revelled in a host of extra opportunities to take a handsome 31-22 lead into the main break.
Gordon and Phoenix Karaka returned to the court for the third stanza and along with Selby-Rickit, the Silver Ferns delivered their best 15 minutes of the game.
Nweke and Selby-Rickit shot well, not missing a goal between them, but lacked the volume to trouble Australia.
See how the match unfolded with RNZ's blog here.
