Ferns outclassed by Diamonds
Australia build an 18-goal lead over first three quarters as Taurua tinkers with team
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua has a much clearer picture of the work that lies ahead after the Silver Ferns were outclassed 53-39 by the Australian Diamonds in their Netball Quad Series opener in London yesterday.
This is the first Quad Series since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and just six months out from the Commonwealth Games, Taurua took the opportunity to test all her options, with the main focus being on building towards the pinnacle event.
In a new-look young Silver Ferns team, Taurua made plenty of changes throughout the encounter, which the Diamonds dominated from the outset, as she got a gauge on combinations and playing personnel.
The Silver Ferns delivered a more promising second half but were on the back foot early, which hampered any recovery as Australia maintained a forceful presence.
“We got a schooling from Australia,” Taurua said. “They were very good, and in the first five or ten minutes, we coughed up a lot of ball, and when that happens, you’re always on the back foot.
“There were some good moments. Defensively, in the second half, we were able to turn over some ball and were quite structured, but in the attack end, we weren’t able to do the job in our own positions.”
Kayla Johnson marked her return after nearly four years by starting at wing defence for the Ferns, while goal attack Tiana Metuarau got her first taste of playing Australia.
In their first international exposure since losing the Constellation Cup to the Silver Ferns last March, Australia welcomed the return of influential shooters Gretel Bueta and Steph Wood, as well as livewire midcourter Ash Brazill. After recent lean times, the Diamonds produced a strong opening quarter where Wood stood out on attack and Brazill was the spoiler on defence.
The Ferns struggled to thread the ball through on attack in the face of relentless defence, while the Diamonds impressed with their slick transition and finishing. Australia led 17-10 at the first break.
Not long after the resumption, the 1.93m frame of teenaged shooter Grace Nweke was introduced for the Silver Ferns, with Maia Wilson moving out to goal attack. Nweke’s imposing presence had an immediate impact, providing a defining target for her feeders.
Showing greater balance on attack, the Silver Ferns got extra reward in a tight second stanza but still found a more composed Australia hard to crack when trailing 30-21 at halftime.
Wing attack Shannon Saunders and goal keep Kelly Jury appeared in the third quarter.
The Ferns had their moments but the young shooting end and lack of time together was evident.
Midcourter Clare Kersten was a reliable presence defensively and with her ability to drive forward but the Ferns could not find consistent, effective flow and were restricted in their scoring opportunities when the Diamonds led 47-29 at the last break.
The Ferns had the satisfaction of winning the last quarter but the damage was done earlier.
The Silver Ferns met England, who beat South Africa 71-47 in the early game, this morning.