Diamonds need to go in harder to counter Kiwis

DIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander will demand tougher play in tomorrow’s final quad series netball Test against New Zealand as the team aims to assert its authority over the rebuilding Silver Ferns.

After wins against South Africa and England, the Diamonds can sew up the series with victory at Melbourne Arena (formerly Hisense).

The Diamonds scored a thumping 21-goal win against their old foes in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games semifinal in April, their sixth straight win against the Silver Ferns.

The Kiwis are under the guidance of new coach Noeline Taurua, but Alexander still considered them a threat. She said her team would need to deliver a tougher performance than against England.

“The Kiwis, they are full strength for this team and this series,’’ Alexander said.

“We need to improve from the other night as well. Whether we are going to use our screens or whether we are going to use that space, we need to make sure we take the ball strongly.

“When we have got the New Zealand style of flying through for the intercepts, we have got to make sure we come in strongly on to the ball.’’

Alexander said the return of veteran Laura Langman, the new Silver Ferns captain, after a two-year hiatus from the side, would be a key focus.

“We know that her energy and the leadership she provides to the team gives them confidence, so we have to work to make sure we counteract that,’’ Alexander said.