Louisa Wall: I'm banking on Diamond smiles

The sporting event that surpassed the 2005 version of Dancing with the Stars according to its television ratings, raking in more than 1.5 million viewers, was the gold medal netball match between New Zealand and Australia at last month's Commonwealth Games.

It was so satisfying that New Zealand won, I'm sure many have been looking forward to the start of the National Bank Cup.

The Magic last year stopped the Sting from winning their seventh consecutive title and I am sure they are keen to start their own legacy of titles when those sides meet today in Hamilton.

These teams again will be the pick, and between them have gold medal-winning Silver Ferns Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman and Casey Williams from the Magic, and Adine Wilson and Belinda Colling for the Sting.

The Magic have eight members of last year's squad, including former Silver Ferns Amigene Metcalfe and Joline Henry.

On paper they are a safe bet to win again. But there is one franchise that I am picking will give them a run for their money. For me, that's the Auckland Diamonds. I was rather excited when former Australian captain Kathryn Harby-Williams shelved retirement plans this year, only to withdraw again because of pregnancy.

And I note that a resolute member of the Northern Force, Teresa Tairi, a foundation member in 1998, is also pregnant and won't be playing. I wish these two women a safe and enjoyable pregnancy.

Despite losing Harby-Williams the Diamonds have Silver Ferns Maria Tutaia, Anna Rowberry and Anna Scarlett, and former Silver Ferns Jo Morrison and Victoria Edward as well as New Zealand under-21 player Paula Griffin replacing injured Jodi Te Huna, who will be missed.

The Diamonds were fortunate to make the top four playoffs last year, beaten narrowly in the semifinal, and I note coach Sue Hawkins' comment about "unfinished business" from last year.

So it's evident this franchise is ready for business.

The other teams in contention are the Otago Rebels - minus Silver Fern - Scarlett; the Western Flyers, coached by my old teammate Tanya Dearns; the Capital Shakers, coached by my old Silver Ferns captain Waimarama Taumaunu; and the Canterbury Flames, who boast Silver Fern Vilimaina Davu and former Silver Fern Julie Seymour.

And, at the end of the Cup, those players selected for the Silver Ferns will have a one-off test against South Africa at the Trusts Stadium, Auckland on July 31 and five tests against Australia, including two July matches across the Tasman and a three-test home series in October.

So with all that said, let the netball games begin.