Diamonds close in on record netball mark

Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander is wary of an improving New Zealand side, as the Diamonds close in on a record winning streak against their old foe.

The 56-47 victory over the Silver Ferns on Wednesday in the first netball Test played in Townsville brought up Australia's ninth successive win over their greatest rival.

That leaves them just one victory off their biggest winning streak against New Zealand, which they established from 1995 to 1998.

They lead the four-match Constellation Cup series 2-0.

If Australia win in Hamilton next Sunday and Wellington the following Thursday, they will have taken little more than a year to surpass the existing record.

While New Zealand didn't lead at any stage of Wednesday's game, they never allowed Australia to open up a double-digit lead.

Alexander rated it the best performance she had seen from the Silver Ferns this year.

Recently appointed New Zealand coach Noeline Taurua stuck with her starting seven for the entire match.

'We're aiming at winning all four (CC Tests) but we know it's not going to be easy," Alexander told AAP.

"I think New Zealand have found a combination now that they think is going to work.

"They will work that very hard and they will try and get this victory in this next game."

Silver Ferns captain and midcourt stalwart Laura Langman racked up a New Zealand record 14

6th Test appearance in Wednesday's game.

"The fact that she broke such an enormous Test caps record is a really special thing, so we did make mention of that before the game," Alexander said.

"We certainly said that it was important for us to make sure that we play our best to show her the best sort of respect for her.

"I thought Liz Watson particularly did a very good job on Laura."

Centre Watson and wing attack and player of the match Kelsey Browne continued to develop their promising midcourt partnership.

"That's a really lovely combination that's going to hold us in good stead," Alexander said.

Giants' midcourter Jamie-Lee Price could make her Test debut over in New Zealand.

The daughter of rugby league great Steve Price, the 22-year-old replaces Kate Moloney in the squad for the last two games.