Geitz back for Diamonds' series decider

Australia's netball captain Laura Geitz has been rushed to Perth for the Constellation Cup decider against New Zealand this Friday.

Australia's netball captain Laura Geitz has been rushed to Perth for the Constellation Cup decider against New Zealand on Friday.

Geitz was rested with Australia up 2-0 in the four-Test series, but after the Silver Ferns hit back with an upset win in Melbourne on Sunday, the 27-year-old was on Wednesday called back into camp.

The experience and composure of goalkeeper Geitz was sorely missed in the 50-47 game-three defeat as the Kiwis turned around a nine-goal deficit to keep the series alive.

The three-goal victory was the Silver Ferns' first Constellation Cup win since September 2013 and ended Australia's run of 10 consecutive wins against their trans-Tasman rivals.

Sharni Layton or Clare McMeniman is likely to partner Geitz in defence for the Perth Arena match as Australia look to finish the year strongly after winning the World Cup in August.

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said on Wednesday the injured Caitlin Bassett (foot soreness) and Renae Ingles (calf) are yet to pass fitness tests.

"We're giving that pair until the final minute to prove their fitness and availability for selection; however we're not willing to take risks should they not be 100 per cent," said Alexander.

A New Zealand win in Perth will mean the series would finish at 2-2 and the trophy holder will be decided on goal percentage - with Australia currently holding a 13-goal advantage.


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Source: AAP



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