Three female teams have already secured their berths for the Paris Olympics next year, and after this weekend, that number will increase that count to four.
The Oceania Olympic Qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Auckland over the weekend, featuring a best-of-three test match series between Australia and New Zealand at the prestigious Sir Owen Glenn National Aquatic Centre. The victor of this intense showdown will earn the coveted place in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Netherlands – (Gold medal in Fukuoka)
Spain – (Silver medal in Fukuoka)
France – (qualify as hosts)
Following their impressive fourth-place finish in Fukuoka, the Aussie Stingers are poised as favorites against their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand. However, the significance of these matches goes beyond a standard test series, given the substantial prize of Olympic qualification at stake.
Australia women have never failed to qualify for an Olympic tournament, winning gold at the inaugural competition in Sydney, and picking up two Bronze medals in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). New Zealand, on the other hand, are yet to make their debut at the world’s biggest sporting competition.
13 Australia have never lost to New Zealand in a competitive match dating back to 1979, winning 13/13.
Team news from both camps is expected shortly.
Alice Williams enjoyed a brilliant tournament in Fukuoka with the Stingers. Photo: Albert ten Hove/Orange Pictures.
Alice Williams, a member of the Aussie Stingers squad, acknowledged the unique opportunity ahead of them.
“This weekend is an exciting opportunity for us, and we are all putting in our best efforts to secure the Olympic spot,” Williams said speaking with Water Polo Australia.
“A victory this weekend would provide us with the confidence to exclusively focus on our performance over the next 12 months.”
“Our achievement of making it into the top four at the World Aquatics Championships was a significant milestone, and we are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve.”
“Facing New Zealand will allow us to implement our tactical strategies effectively, and we will draw upon the confidence we gained from our collective efforts and systems during the World Championships,” she concluded.
Australia vs New Zealand Head to Head (since 1979)
November 2022 – Women’s World League – Australia 14-5 New Zealand
June 2022 – Women’s World Championships – Australia 11-2 New Zealand
March 2019 – Women’s World League Qualifications – Australia 15-4 New Zealand
April 2018 – Women’s World League Qualifications – Australia 15-4 New Zealand
April 2015 – Women’s World League Qualifications – Australia 10-2 New Zealand
July 2013 – Women’s World Championships – Australia 15-4 New Zealand
July 2011 – Women’s World Championships – Australia 12-4 New Zealand
August 2010 – Women’s World Cup – Australia 17-4 New Zealand
July 2009 – Women’s World Championships – Australia 14-4 New Zealand
January 1998 – Women’s World Championships – Australia 16-4 New Zealand
September 1994 – Women’s World Championships – Australia 13-4 New Zealand
January 1991 – Women’s World Championships – Australia 17-3 New Zealand
June 1979 – Women’s World Cup – Australia 12-1 New Zealand
Where to watch?
Game 1 link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbrGZiO9y3A
Game 2 link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGqJ5FDZbys
Oceania Olympic Qualifiers
Game 1 | Australia v New Zealand | Friday 11 August | 5.30pm AEST / 7.30pm NZST | 9:30am CEST
Game 2 | Australia v New Zealand | Saturday 12 August | 4pm AEST / 6pm NZST | 8:00am CEST.
Game 3 | Australia v New Zealand | Sunday 13 August | (If required)
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