Ferns benefit from pressure and hustle
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was much happier after test two against the England Roses because their second clash in Hamilton ‘‘felt more like a test match’’ full of hustle that really pushed the world champions.
New Zealand clinched the Taini Jamison Trophy Series with a test to spare after fighting back to win 54-47 at a sold out Claudelands Arena on Friday night, two days after defeating the Roses by a greater margin (58-45) in the first test at the same venue.
Taurua said the Silver Ferns were ‘‘too timid’’ in their first match against an English side minus several key stars due to playing commitments in Australia, but the Roses have shown plenty of heart and quality, enough to have New Zealand seriously on the back foot in the second test until a dominant third quarter from the hosts, who handled the pressure and finished strongly for an 11th consecutive test victory in Hamilton.
‘‘It was actually quite enjoyable because it was a really tough test match,’’ Taurua said in Friday’s postmatch press conference.
‘‘There was plenty of to-ing and fro-ing and also seeing people under pressure.
‘‘There were moments when we had to grind away and it may not have looked pretty, but overall, our stats were pretty good.
‘‘I liked the hustle of both teams out there and the feel of a real, traditional test match as well.’’
Granted, Taurua is focused on making more improvements, starting in today’s third test, but beating a tough England side, who are third in the world rankings, is a ‘‘box ticked’’ after the return of international netball following a nine-month absence because of Covid-19. The Silver Ferns are second in the rankings behind Australia.
With the series won, Taurua was grateful her side survived the English onslaught and noted how changes in that decisive third quarter, which the Silver Ferns won 16-8, were vital.
Claire Kersten and Whitney Souness came on after half-time at centre and wing attack respectively and altered the attack so the Silver Ferns had more options through England’s tight defence.
Taurua said their attack was stagnant until those changes but England were also better after the first test because it was their second outing after a seven-month break due to Covid-19.
The third test being a dead rubber gives Taurua an opportunity to give more players an opportunity at test level and she said changes were ‘‘more than likely’’.
‘‘It’s now a great time to see people out there on court,’’ Taurua said.
‘‘Also, we’re mindful that we don’t want to lose that game either. We’ve built ourselves up and our business is winning test matches.’’
A more experimental Silver Ferns side could improve England’s hopes.
The Roses will certainly want to finish their New Zealand tour on a high. Laura Malcolm was sensational in the midcourt, earning the award for player of the match on Friday, but fellow cocaptain Serena Guthrie is doubtful for today after injuring her ankle in her 100th test.