Defence must lift, says Southby

Janine Southby is demanding a vast defensive improvement from the Silver Ferns as they quickly turn their attention to England.

New Zealand, playing their first international since early February, were unimpressive in their Quad Series opener against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday night, stuttering to a 63-56 win.

The Silver Ferns had won their previous six contests against South Africa since 2012 by an average of 31 goals, including a 70-39 victory in February, but delivered an inconsistent performance, especially on defence.

It was an inspired showing from South Africa, mentored by former

Australian coach Norma Plummer, who would have sensed an upset at halftime, trailing 31-30.

There was always going to rustiness from the Silver Ferns with the squad restricted to in-house training games over the past few weeks leading into the Quad Series.

Coach Southby was satisfied her side was able to push ahead on the scoreboard in the third quarter and force South Africa into mistakes, the Ferns playing their most clinical netball of the game.

She acknowledged their defensive intensity and accuracy on attack had to lift another level with England awaiting in Auckland on Wednesday night. Four days later, the Silver Ferns face Australia in Invercargill in a game, which should decide the Quad Series.

England gave Australia a fright in the earlier match in Brisbane with the Diamonds hanging on to win 54-50.

‘‘We didn’t do enough defence further up the court,’’ Southby said.

‘‘It’s not just the people with the GD [goal defence] or GK [goal keep] on their backs.

‘‘It’s actually right through the court and we’re guilty right through the court of not doing enough on defence.’’