Folau flourishes in reluctant role
If Maria Folau had her way, she wouldn’t be playing goal shoot. The veteran shooter will bring up a major milestone in tomorrow’s fourth Constellation Cup test against Australia in Perth. Folau will become the second Silver Fern to reach 150 tests – joining captain Laura Langman, who achieved the feat in January.
It could be Folau’s last appearance in the black dress, but if the 32-year-old is planning to call time on her illustrious career, not even coach Noeline Taurua is aware.
Folau, who debuted for New Zealand in 2005, has predominantly worn the goal attack bib, but moved out to goal shoot when Taurua took over as coach last August.
Goal attack is where Folau feels most comfortable. With no standout option at goal shoot and Ameliaranne Ekenasio more accustomed to goal attack, Taurua discussed a positional switch with Folau last year.
Taurua said it spoke volumes about Folau’s team-first mentality, an aspect often overlooked with her. Folau has excelled at goal shoot alongside Ekenasio with Taurua labelling the pair the world’s best shooting combination.
Their accuracy, cohesiveness and understanding was pivotal in the Ferns’ performances in the crunch games at July’s World Cup where New Zealand won their first title since 2003, stunning Australia in the final.
‘‘She hasn’t been a goal shooter until I came along. She doesn’t like that position,’’ Taurua told
‘‘She likes the free range and ability to run around. In goal shoot, you’re in more of a confined space.
‘‘Even though she doesn’t like it, she’s doing what she needs to do for the team and she’s doing it at a sublime level.’’
Whenever Folau decides to retire, she will leave behind a glittering legacy. Her place in the pantheon of New Zealand netball greats is already confirmed, having redefined the shooting position and been an elite performer for well over a decade.
Folau revolutionised shooting with her silky long-range ability that caused chaos for international defenders. Goal attacks are now expected to connect from deep regularly and Folau is a crucial reason why.
A former goal attack in her playing days, Taurua was frequently in awe of Folau’s skills.
‘‘When she puts those long shots up, they’re the sweetest shots ever. You know they’re going to go in.
‘‘She has gone up another notch. Her shift that she’s made in regards to her overall court play has been amazing.
The 100 club
Silver Fern centurions:
■ Laura Langman 162
■ Maria Folau 149
■ Irene van Dyk 145
■ Katrina Rore 136
■ Casey Kopua 112
■ Lesley Rumball 110
■ Leana de Bruin 104
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua on Maria Folau
At a glance
What: Constellation Cup game four When, where: 3pm tomorrow (NZT), RAC Arena, Perth.
New Zealand: Laura Langman (c), Karin Burger, Gina Crampton, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maria Folau, Phoenix Karaka, Bailey Mes, Katrina Rore, Shannon Saunders, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson.
Caitlin Bassett (c), Ash Brazill, Courtney Bruce, Sarah Klau, Tegan Philip, Jamie-Lee Price, Laura Scherian, Caitlin Thwaites, Gretel Tippett, Maddy Turner, Liz Watson, Jo Weston.
‘‘I feel every game she’s taken, she’s added something new to her overall style and approach, which is amazing.’’
Ekenasio has been one of the bestperformed Ferns since Taurua became coach, eradicating the inconsistent performances that had sometimes dogged her play. It was no secret teaming up with Folau had been critical in her development and improvement, Taurua said.
The pair have formed an effective partnership, both being able to convert from around the shooting circle. If the defence zeroes in one of the duo, the other can punish them and isn’t afraid to put it up from a tricky shooting spot.
‘‘Maria has embraced the qualities of Mels [Ekenasio] and her strengths, and has been open enough and wanting to work as a combination to help each other and help the unit grow.
‘‘They’ve actually helped each other to find their feet as individual.’’
Folau doesn’t like a fuss being made about her. She had shied away from any talk about her 150th and was completely focused on beating Australia, which would hand the Ferns the Constellation Cup for the first time since 2012, to go along with the World Cup.
New Zealand hold a 2-1 lead in the series, having edged the Diamonds 54-53 in Sydney last Sunday.
‘‘When she puts those long shots up, they’re the sweetest shots ever.’’
Folau hasn’t signed with a club in Australia or New Zealand for next year, fuelling speculation her career is close to ending. That was only heightened when she shed a tear during the national anthem of the second
Constellation Cup match in Auckland, likely her last test on home soil.
‘‘I feel when you’re at the top of your game and you’re enjoying the environment you’re in, why retire?,’’ Taurua said.
‘‘I think it will just come down to personal reasons or her wanting to shift onto different things in her life.
‘‘But in terms of netball I hope she doesn’t retire, if I’m going to be honest, because she’s still got the goods.’’