Australia has beaten England 61-59 at the Netball Nations Cup in London in a rematch of last year's Netball World Cup final.

The Diamonds swept aside the Silver Ferns 63-50 in their opening game on Sunday morning (Australian time), but it was a much tighter contest for the team's second match at Wembley Arena.

The Australians got off to a strong start, leading 18-13 after the opening quarter. But the Roses lifted their game in the second term, matching the Diamonds' 15 goals to trail by five goals at the main break.

Whatever was said in the half-time team talk from England coach Jess Thirlby worked, as the Roses came out firing and dominated play in the third quarter — they hit the front for the first time, scoring 17 goals to 10 to lead by two.

The home side could not make the advantage count, however, as the Diamonds finished the stronger. An 18 goal to 14 final quarter saw the Australians home.

The difference between the sides was the ability to take chances — the home side converted 88 per cent of their shots, compared to 95 per cent for Australia.

Goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell scored 43 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Helen Housby marked her 100th game for the Roses with 16 goals from 21 attempts.

The Diamonds spread the scoring around with four players hitting double figures. Sophie Garbin led the way with 26 goals from 27 attempts, then Kiera Austin was perfect on all 12 shots, while Cara Koenen made 12 out of 13 shots and Sophie Dwyer scored 11 goals out of 12 attempts.

After the game the Australians provided a guard of honour for Housby on her landmark international.

In the other game, Uganda pushed New Zealand all the way before going down 65-60.

The Diamonds are in prime position to make next weekend's Netball Nations Cup final. They play their final group game against Uganda, while England will take on New Zealand.