Defence must lift, Southby demands
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.
Coach Southby was satisfied her side was able to push ahead on the scoreboard in the third quarter and force South Africa into mistakes, the Ferns 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.’’
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 of 25 in the first half and 43 of 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.
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 of 36, while also pulling in three rebounds.
Maria Tutaia’s value in the shooting end was again clear to see, sinking several long-range goals, which disrupted the South African defence. Tutaia finished with 28 of 34.