Aussies are not weak: Tutaia
DON’T dare call the Australian Diamonds vulnerable.
The Lisa Alexander-coached side are much changed from when experienced Silver Ferns’ shooter Maria Tutaia last wore the black dress 13 months ago.
She expects them to be as formidable as ever in the four-game Constellation Cup series, starting in Sydney next Sunday.
That’s despite the fact, former Australian skipper Laura Geitz won’t feature due to pregnancy and only five of the 12 remain from the Diamonds’ squad, which beat the Silver Ferns 58-55 in the World Cup final last August, Tutaia’s last international match.
Five members of the Australian side have played eight tests or less, but Tutaia said the Diamonds should be firm favourites again.
With the established shooting duo of Caitlin Bassett and Natalie Medhurst, classy midcourters Kim Ravaillion and Madi Robinson, and the world’s best defender in Sharni Layton, they oozed quality through the court.
‘‘Aussie are never vulnerable. The very moment you think they are, they’ll come in and kick you right back up the bum,’’ Tutaia said. ’’The depth they have in their country is unreal. They could make three amazing teams with the players they have and they’re still filtering through.’’
Janine Southby’s new-look Silver Ferns matched it with Australia for three quarters in the Quad Series decider in Melbourne last month.
New Zealand faltered under the pressure in the final four minutes to lose 60-55. Australia outscored them 16-12 in the final quarter and forced the Ferns into seven turnovers in the term.
Tutaia missed the Quad Series and Jamaican home matches due to a bruised cuboid bone in her right foot, sustained during the Mystics’ campaign.
Given she’s been in a moon boot and on crutches for the past two months and only been cleared to run and put up shots over the past week, she’s unlikely to feature prominently in the series.
Ferns’ coach Southby doubted Tutaia would be up to full games, but having her leadership and veteran presence in the squad was a boost. Tutaia, who has played 102 tests, opted to have a break after last year’s World Cup and was determined to get on court again for her country.
‘‘That’s the aim for me to get some game-time. My fitness levels will be tested, especially coming up against Australia. I’ve got to take it baby steps at a time.’’
Silver Ferns’ strength and conditioning coach Stephen Hotter will be in Australia with the team and work closely with Tutaia.
In Tutaia’s absence, Ameliaranne Ekenasio has stepped up and made the goal attack bib her own.
Ekenasio was one of the Ferns’ finest in the Quad Series match against Australia. PHOTOSPORT