Australia have cemented their status as the world's best netball team, beating New Zealand 58-55 in a fiery and physical World Cup final in Sydney.
The Diamonds were at their tenacious best in front of a world-record 16,752 home crowd at Allphones Arena on Sunday as they claimed an 11th trophy from 14 world titles and their third in a row.
No one could have predicted which way this latest chapter in the sport's fiercest rivalry would swing.
The unfancied world No.2 Silver Ferns had blown the title race wide open a week ago when they upset the defending world champions and raging favourites in pool play.
But in that match Australia's form was patchy and here, fired up from defeat, the hosts were fluent and defensively relentless.
Both coaches kept the faith in their starting semi-final line-ups, who duly kicked off proceedings at lightning pace.
Australia broke the first centre pass in the third minute and capitalised on the momentum to lead 16-7 after the first quarter.
Usually prolific New Zealand goal attack Maria Tutaia couldn't quite get her eye in from her favourite spot at the edge of the circle.
She did put away a few signature deadly long bombs (38 goals from 53 attempts), but her efforts were offset by a brutal display from Diamonds captain and goal keeper Laura Geitz.
Geitz was ferocious against a nervy-looking Bailey Mes, constantly in the hunt and nailing a game-high nine deflections against the flow of play, even taking out centre Laura Langman in the process.
Down the other end, West Coast Fever shooting partners Caitlin Bassett and Natalie Medhurst were near flawless despite a hustling Casey Kopua at keeper, with Bassett popping in an incredible 47 goals from 50 attempts.
The Kiwis found their rhythm, setting up a solid defensive zone and even engaging in some physical play of their own.
Wing attack Kim Green (32 feeds) was knocked about the most by Kayla Cullen, while Julie Corletto and Tutaia also hit the deck in a tangle.
But despite shortening the deficit to four goals during an epic third quarter, they couldn't flick the switch on the Aussie intensity.
An emotional Medhurst said it was the most unbelievable feeling to win a World Cup hat-trick alongside long-time Diamonds teammate Corletto, who will now retire from elite netball.
Sunday's decider marked Corletto's 52nd and final Test.
"Probably the most emotional thing is to share it with Jules," a teary Medhurst said.
"She's a freak, and it's really sad to see her go.
"It's surreal, I just can't believe it ... we made our debut together, we've been in three winning World Cups."
Geitz was also tearing up and couldn't contain her excitement.
"It's not just this week that's been hard work and everything that's put into it," she said.
"It's been years with this particular playing group going on from Glasgow last year and building towards this moment."
AAP ek/gc
Share
