Testing times for Kiwi side
NETBALL FRUSTRATED would be an appropriate word to describe New Zealand after they dropped the opening two games of the Constellation Cup netball series against Australia.
The Silver Ferns firmly believe they have been their own worst enemy, especially in the second battle when beaten by eight goals in Christchurch on Sunday night, and they will seek redemption at Adelaide Arena tomorrow night.
Silver Ferns superstar Maria Tutaia admitted the latest loss hurt more than when beaten by three goals in the opening Test in Auckland after entering the game on the back of a satisfying preparation.
“We are doing this to ourselves, that was the consensus at the debrief on Sunday night,” Tutaia said after arriving in Adelaide yesterday.
“There was miscommunication and the connections weren’t there.
“We know what the Aussies are like, what game style they play and the lines they run.
“Credit to them, they play hard ball, very intense.
“Lucky we have two more opportunities at this (Adelaide and Sydney on Saturday night) so it is not all doom and gloom.”
The Silver Ferns proved they have the ammunition to conquer the Diamonds, having won their quad series confrontation by 10 goals last month.
Coach Janine Southby has continued to experiment with her young outfit and Tutaia is adamant there have been massive gains compared to where the squad was positioned at the start of the year.
Tutaia also has no doubt the Kiwis are building a game that will seriously challenge the Diamonds for the gold medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.
“We have a young side and I take my hat off to Janine and (assistant coach) Yvette (McCausland-Durie) for playing some players out of position, having a lot of confidence in them to expose them to international netball,” she said.
“That is what we want and the only way we will grow.
“In six months’ time the bigger picture is the Commonwealth Games – this is all part of the journey and process of learning and growing.
“It was disappointing to lose on Sunday night, but we did things we have not even done in training. None of us have our heads down.”