Unimpressive Silver Ferns defence must lift says coach 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 inhouse training games over the past few weeks leading into the Quad Series.

Coach Southby was satisfied her side were able to push ahead on the scoreboard in the third quarter and force South Africa into mistakes, 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.’’

Southby was disappointed by the Silver Ferns’ lack of defensive gains in the first half and the amount of goals they leaked. South Africa scored 16 in the first quarter alone and 30 during the first half.

South African midcourters Bongi Msomi and Erin Burger had too much freedom in the first half and were able to hit the circle edge and regularly find Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic shooting standout Lenize Potgieter.

Potgieter was a nuisance for the Silver Ferns defence, landing 23/25 in the first half and 43/49 for the game.

Sam Sinclair was quiet at wing defence in the first half and replaced at halftime by Phoenix Karaka, who usually operates as a circle defender.

Kelly Jury was injected into goal keep for Jane Watson at the main break, who was outplayed by Potgieter in the opening 30 minutes. Whitney Souness also came on at wing attack for Gina Crampton, becoming Silver Fern No 167.

Porirua-raised Souness delivered a composed effort in her first outing in the black dress and earned praise from Southby.

‘‘She did a great job, I thought. She came on well and had lots of movement. Her passing cuts were great. She just kept that ability to keep the ball moving.

‘‘She’ll be happy when she looks back on it and actually sees what she did because I’m pretty sure she can’t remember anything she did out there [she was no nervous].’’

South Africa aren’t the easybeats they have been over much of the past decade and are making progress on the world stage. With several key performers playing professionally in the English, Australian and New Zealand leagues, the Proteas are a far more competitive outfit.

Bailey Mes was among the Silver Ferns’ best, producing one of her most assured performances at international level. She constantly made herself available in the attacking end and shot accurately, landing 35/36.