KEY POINTS:
Netball New Zealand has finally been granted its long-time wish - an Auckland stadium that can seat an international-sized crowd.
The Silver Ferns' test against Australia next month - their only home international with their toughest rivals before the November world championships - will be played at the
Vector Arena.
It will be the first sporting event staged at the new arena on Auckland's waterfront.
If all goes swimmingly at the July 18 test, organisers of the world championships could consider moving the grand final of their event from the Trusts Stadium at Waitakere, which can accommodate 5000 fans, to the Vector stadium (with seating for 9000).
For decades, Netball New Zealand has been hoping for a stadium that could seat a big crowd for test series, especially New Zealand-Australia clashes.
For a number of years in the 90s, Auckland was bypassed altogether as a test venue.
The Vector Arena has a removable court surface that the test will be played on.
The Silver Ferns' test against Jamaica in Auckland on July 14 will be played at Waitakere. The Ferns play two tests against the Jamaicans and then a three-test Fisher & Paykel series against Australia (the other matches in Melbourne and Adelaide) as their last hit-out before defending their world title.
* The Magic last night booked their ticket to the National Bank Cup semifinals with a 45-41 win over the Otago Rebels in Dunedin.
It was a less-than-impressive performance from the Magic who trailed for much of the first half.
While the Rebels dominated possession Magic shooter Irene van Dyk was still the powerbroker, shooting 36 from 39.
One playoff spot remains - to be claimed by either the Diamonds or the Flames.
Marg Foster knows her Flames side have a tough ask today if they are to make the National Bank Cup semifinals. The Canterbury franchise need to beat competition leaders the Sting.
The Diamonds are relying on the Sting winning, and need the final three points from a victory over the winless Flyers in Auckland tomorrow.
"It will come down to how much we want to win," Foster said. "Every one of our players needs to be on fire to beat the Sting. We won't be thinking about them - we'll be sticking to our quarter goals."
The Flames are buoyed by the fact they beat the Sting in identical circumstances last year, to go through to the top four, denying the Diamonds. But the difference this year may well be double international Donna Wilkins, the Sting's seasoned playmaker who didn't join her Southern side last year until the semifinals.
