Diamonds revert to Aussie netball style

The Diamonds are determined to impose their "Aussie style" of netball on New Zealand when the Constellation Cup starts on Thursday in Auckland.

The Kiwis have won the annual series just once in the competition's seven-year history, but go into the opening game of the four-match series full of confidence after a 57-47 win last month in Invercargill to secure the Quad Series.

World champions Australia have done of plenty of work since to counter the Silver Ferns' zonal style which had caused them problems in their last meeting.

"We got very hesitant and a bit stagnant in our movement and in our passing, so it's going back to be confident," Diamonds midcourter Liz Watson told AAP.

"Just go back to the Aussie way that we play. Looking back on that footage, it's almost frustrating to see the little mistakes that we were making.

"It's no excuse at this level, so tidying up those little errors and just playing basic simple netball.

"I think we got a little bit carried away with almost a fancy style, or something a little bit more flairy.

"Just simple basic netball is what we're aiming for and keeping that Aussie style.

"Hopefully, we get off to a great start and remain focused."

Australia made a terrible start in Invercargill, trailing 18-10 at the first break.

Recognising they will have few fans in Thursday's crowd, the Diamonds have worked on staying connected in a hostile and noisy environment.

"Going up around each other, giving each other hugs, lots of eye contact and staying tight knit," Watson said.

"I think, in a hostile environment, that's what we need to be doing. We don't have the crowd behind us helping us get that little extra one per cent.

"It is about staying connected right from the moment we walk into the stadium."

On Wednesday evening, Netball Australia confirmed the 12-player line-up for the Constellation Cup opening Test.

DIAMONDS:

* Caitlin Bassett (Sunshine Coast Lightning)

* April Brandley (Collingwood Magpies)

* Courtney Bruce (West Coast Fever)

* Emily Mannix (Melbourne Vixens)

* Caitlyn Nevins (Queensland Firebirds)

* Susan Pettitt (GIANTS Netball)

* Kim Ravaillion (Collingwood Magpies)

* Gabi Simpson (Queensland Firebirds)

* Caitlin Thwaites (Collingwood Magpies)

* Liz Watson (Melbourne Vixens)

* Jo Weston (Melbourne Vixens)

* Stephanie Wood (Sunshine Coast Lightning)