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Coach Stacey Marinkovich wants to see the Diamonds show some pride after being humbled in the opening Constellation Cup clash.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich has demanded more intensity from the Diamonds in the second Test against New Zealand as they look to level the Constellation Cup series in Auckland on Wednesday night.
The Diamonds were thrashed 64-50 by the Silver Ferns in game one on Sunday in Wellington, suffering their biggest loss to their trans-Tasman rivals since 2010.
Marinkovich said the world No.1 outfit needed to match the physicality and intent of New Zealand.
"There has been a reflection piece as to the intensity that we probably lacked and the presence out on court," the coach said.
"I thought New Zealand really dominated in that space and they had a big presence, and it's not like us to go out there, just off that pace.
"It just goes to show if you don't bring it then you can really be hurt by it, so it's something that I hope that we do, really step up and take some real pride in what we do."
Australia's defenders have a big task ahead, with New Zealand shooters almost unstoppable in game one - Grace Nweke shooting 50 goals from 53 attempts, and skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio adding 14 from 15.
The clash is Marinkovich's 50th in charge, but wins on New Zealand soil have been scarce, only tasting victory once, back in 2021.
Sunday's loss was the Diamonds' seventh straight.
"It's nice to be able to reflect back on what we've been able to achieve together, but after a loss all you want to do is get back on the winning run, and we just put our heads down," Marinkovich said.
"This group is resilient - we've been through quite a lot over the last two years, so I know that when they really do focus that we can adapt and shift.
"For me it's a privilege every time that you step out there."
NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle is in her second stint as a specialist coach with the Silver Ferns, and Marinkovich said she could see her impact.
"Probably with the midcourt, I think they're playing that short, give-and-go and obviously looking to that circle's feeding and they're backing themselves in,'' she said.
"Grace (Nweke) is a phenomenal target there and she's presenting strongly."
After Auckland, the Cup series will move to Australia for two games, with Perth and Melbourne playing hosts.