Moment of truth awaits Silver Ferns
The Quad Series is upon us and all focus, questions, concerns and nervous apprehension relates to the Silver Ferns.
After the disastrous performances at the Commonwealth Games, changes had to be made. Not just in the coaching staff, but also player combinations out on court.
Behind the scenes, a number of changes are also under way, namely actions taken as part of the extensive review process outcomes.
Also, there is the need to regain the belief and support of our netball public.
I expect the Ferns to put out a credible performance – not simply because Noeline Taurua is now on board. Yes, she will make a difference as she comes into the position with great credentials, a fresh approach and no preconceived ideas. While looking into the future, it will also be about taking care of the present.
The present at this stage being to see an improvement in the team’s performance.
The team named for the Quad Series has some interesting possible combinations available.
Irrespective of what shooting combination takes to the court, all shooters are capable of accurate long shots and feel comfortable in taking these in a game.
Even the youngster Aliyah Dunn has shown she has the confidence to take some long shots. In the recent Super Club competition, Dunn took many a long shot from the two-point area.
However, she needs to experience the overall Silver Ferns environment, before taking the court.
With all shooters capable of taking shots from anywhere in the shooting circle, it means the opposition defence has to mark both shooters, rather than simply marking the one closest to the post and pressurising the other shooter in taking that longer shot.
The midcourt will be fast on attack and will play the ball at speed.
Concerns have been expressed that Elisapeta Toeava in particular is short at 1.61m and will have difficulty passing the ball over opposition defenders. However, with her speed and quick decision making, the opposition defence won’t have the time to set up, so problem avoided.
They will also work tirelessly on defence, slowing the ball delivery in the midcourt, by the opposition, thereby allowing the in-circle defenders time to react and take intercepts accordingly.
The in-circle defenders named enjoy taking intercepts, rather than staying with the more traditional one-on-one defence, as generally employed by the Australians, and also adopted for a period of time by the Ferns.
Mention has often been made that we want to go back to our more traditional space marking when on defence, so now the players have an opportunity to do so.
They do not have the height advantage over Australia’s Caitlin Bassett and Caitlin Thwaites, or South Africa’s Lenize Potgieter, so a simple one-on-one defence won’t necessarily be effective anyway.
So, how will each country target this Quad Series?
The Ferns are simply looking for improvement. The series will provide us with a gauge as to the team’s strength at this time. The expectation will still be to see variations in the game plans, less predictability and for players to show that hunger to be the best they can be.
England will want to show the Commonwealth Games wasn’t a one off undertaking, that they now in fact are a team that knows how to win.
Australia appeared to be the most competitive team at the Commonwealth Games, but simply stumbled in that final game. They will want to regain bragging rights.
Individual players within the South African team have performed with credit in the ANZ Premiership, Australia’s Super Netball or the Super League in England. They now become Norma Plummer’s challenge to mould them into a competitive, working unit.
All teams, while wanting the wins on the scoreboard, will also see this series as an opportunity to get players out on court, leading into the world championships next year.
* Former Silver Ferns coach and 57-test defender Yvonne Willering will be writing regular columns for Stuff during the Quad Series and Constellation Cup.