Brighter days ahead
Let’s get straight to the analysis of the second test match in the Constellation Cup. With the initial naming of both teams to start the match, it was evident the aim of the game was about winning, not about trying different combinations out on court.
The Ferns started off with what I believe is their strongest lineup, with no substitutions made to the team throughout, not even any positional changes.
I believe the Ferns have the core of the team for the World Cup next year. Seven of those players took the court and had their most consistent performance to date under the guidance of new coach Noeline Taurua. Even going into the final quarter, the Ferns had opportunities to secure the win.
Australia know how to win, how to absorb the pressure and capitalise on opposition errors. They made only two tactical changes in the game, mainly to strengthen their combinations both on attack and defence.
A player who I thought had her best game to date, considering the height mismatch between her and her opponent, was Ferns’ defender Jane Watson.
By her not marking Caitlin Bassett too close and at times even making her appear to be totally free in the circle, made the pass given to be delivered at a lower level, or with less speed, allowing her to take the intercept. Watson even looked for intercepts outside the circle, thus avoiding the one-on-one confrontation with a tall shooter.
At the other end of the court, Maria Folau and Te Paea Selby-Rickit simply need more time together, particularly with Folau in the goal shooting role.
At times, both shooters were out of the circle, when circle balance needed to be maintained. If Folau drove out to take a pass, then that should have been the signal for Selby-Rickit to drive towards the post.
I thought the Australian pairing of Bassett and Gretel Tippett did this well, with a great understanding starting to develop between them.
Yes – the score differential was nine goals, 56-47, but there were clear indications the Ferns were competitive throughout. I said prior to the commencement of the series that the Ferns were capable of winning one to two games and Taurua also made the same statement. I still believe this is a realistic goal and actually needs to happen.
After the first game in the Constellation Cup, discussion centred around having to put young and inexperienced players out on court and that now we have a benchmark set for the team. I agree we have a number of inexperienced players in the team. Nine months out from the World Cup and less than six months since the Commonwealth Games, this should not be the case.
Netball seems to be focusing more on our young players at an elite level of play, as evident by the selection of players in the second tier Beko League teams, in particular.
Players who fall into the 24-30 year age group, if unable to secure an ANZ Premiership contract, have no opportunities apart from club netball.
I understand younger players can readily give their time, as many don’t have employment commitments yet, in fact some are still at school.
When we still had the provincial championships, the competition was mainly confined to a week-long competition, so players in employment situations simply took annual leave.
Maybe such a competition needs to be reinstated.
With regards to having a benchmark, does that mean players are simply score-driven, focusing on the opposition and working to reduce goal deficits at this stage? Or do they take to the court, striving to be the best they can be and wanting to lessen the error rate and turnovers in the game?
Well the Ferns did just that. They gave a much more consistent performance and the turnovers were reduced.
Now, we need to see a complete performance, particularly in front of a home crowd.