Langman remains coy on her future
Brendon Egan
brendon.egan@stuff.co.nz
Laura Langman isn’t yet ready to make a decision about her Silver Ferns future post July’s Netball World Cup.
The midcourt great and New Zealand captain will add another accolade to her illustrious career in tomorrow’s (5.30am start NZ time) Quad Series clash against Australia in London when she becomes the first Silver Fern to play 150 tests.
Langman returned to the black dress last September under new coach Noeline Taurua after a
695-day hiatus from international netball. She was barred from representing the Silver Ferns because she was competing in the Australian domestic competition and then took time out from the sport.
There could potentially be a raft of retirements after the World Cup with Ferns stalwarts Langman, Casey Kopua, Maria Folau, and possibly the axed Katrina Rore (nee Grant), if she regains selection, all in the latter stages of their long careers.
It wouldn’t come as a shock if Langman, Kopua and Folau all bowed out from international netball after competing at their fourth World Cup. Winning a World Cup title is the lone missing milestone for the trio, having won Commonwealth Games gold in 2006 and
2010.
Langman, who turns 33 in April, hadn’t given any thought about a possible end date with the Ferns, at least publicly. She was relishing being involved again.
‘‘Look, that’s probably one of the things I’ve learned or I’ve changed, I don’t pre-plan. Who knows mate?, she said.
‘‘I’ve spent the large majority of my life being very planned and I’ve known what I’ve done from day-today and from week-to-week and year-to-year. This time around, I’m not making any bold statements, I’m not making bold commitments.’’
Taurua and Langman have endured a difficult start to their new tenure as Silver Ferns coach and captain. New Zealand have won just two of eight games since Taurua took over from Janine Southby, who resigned after a dreadful 2018 Commonwealth Games campaign and damning independent review into the team’s struggles.
Fixing the ailing Ferns was never going to be a quick fix, but the Silver Ferns centurions:
❚ Laura Langman: 149
❚ Irene van Dyk: 145
❚ Maria Folau: 136
❚ Katrina Rore: 125
❚ Lesley Rumball: 110
❚ Leana de Bruin: 104
❚ Casey Kopua: 102
side’s inability to improve with each game and lack of cohesion through the court has been worrying.
Langman isn’t accustomed to losing, winning domestic titles with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic (2005, 2006, and 2012 in the transTasman league) and Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia (2017). She won her first 16 matches on the trot with the Ferns after debuting in 2005 and lost just 42 times in 141 consecutive games for New Zealand from 2005-16.
‘‘We know we can’t go from zero to hero straight off the bat and it’s unrealistic to think we can. I think what’s heartening is we do have a vision and we are looking to peak in July for worlds. If we can make little progressions and get those little smidgens and gains now [we’ll get there].’’
The Ferns stuck with Commonwealth Games gold medallists England for the first half in Monday’s Quad Series opener in Liverpool before losing 54-41.
Langman despises losing and is among the most competitive players in world netball. She was frustrated the hard work the team was doing behind the scenes wasn’t being reflected on court and in the final scoreline.
‘‘You can get wrapped up in the outcome for sure, but I think there’s been a massive shift within the group in terms of standards and expectations.’’
Reaching 150 tests is a testament to Langman’s durability, supreme fitness, and performing at a high skill level consistently.
Only 175 women have represented New Zealand since their first test in 1938. Langman was grateful not only to be back playing international netball, but to break new ground for the Ferns.
‘‘Not many people get a second chance and to have the opportunity to be on this tour and playing again is very humbling.
‘‘I feel like I haven’t changed since day one. When I step out, whether it’s training or a match or a practice match, I always want to put my hand up and say ‘pick me’.’’