Mixed results from Silver Ferns training camp

stress she was pleased with the overall performance of the group of 25 assembled in Auckland this week, having given them an ultimatum in the leadup.

‘‘I was worried that there may have been more, so I’m really happy that we’ve got a team to select and they’ve met that standard.

‘‘When I say some have missed out, they’re not too far away from it. They’ve been in the gym when we’re not out on court, so hopefully by the end of the week they may be able to make a difference as well.’’

Taurua said setting standards was part of ensuring everyone was doing their jobs,.

‘‘They’re very clear in their positions as to what’s required. The standard was set with regard to the physical side and what they had to meet; if they didn’t meet it then they weren’t going to be available for selection.

‘‘There are a few that have got a bit of work to do, but they’re still involved in camp and they’ve got to improve themselves.

‘‘There’s nowhere to hide, and if a person doesn’t do their job, it’s impacting on somebody else, and that shows when we’re out on court, so we can’t afford that.’’

Ferns captain Laura Langman is known for her high level of fitness, among other things, and said the testing on Monday was the best she had been involved in with the national team.

‘‘Right from the speed results to the effort put in in the yo-yo [endurance test]. Our mindset around what the yo-yo means and what it represents has changed and you can see it out there in the games when it’s coming down to the fourth quarter. It still needs work, but it’s coming.’’

Langman said while it was necessary to set standards, it was also important for players to continue improving once testing was over.

‘‘We did want to take a stance on that, in terms of there being a level of expectation we need people to be at, not only to perform, but to recover, which is key at a tournament like a World Cup.

‘‘In saying that, from a player’s perspective, they may not have got the target but they will continue towards that target and the effort that was shown was massive. I was super proud.’’

‘‘There’s nowhere to hide, and if a person doesn’t do their job, it’s impacting on somebody else.’’

NZ coach Noeline Taurua