Big test awaits Silver Ferns
New Zealand took the court in the second game of the Quad Series looking for improvement and trying to restore some pride in the Silver Fern and what it stands for.
At this time, we’re no longer seen as a force to be reckoned with. Teams are taking the court against the Ferns thinking not only can they produce a creditable performance, but they can win the game.
Unfortunately for South Africa, the Ferns had other ideas and started with real purpose, urgency and wanting to show dominance on court.
The first quarter ended with the Ferns having a 10-goal lead and this set the tone of the game.
Credit to South Africa as they regrouped and only lost the next quarter by one goal.
This is the game new head coach Noeline Taurua should use as a starting point as at least in this outing there were many positives to be taken.
The greater accuracy from the shooters was in part due to the fact they had better movement in the circle, so they had quality ball delivered to them. The pass was never given under pressure, so they were able to simply focus on the shot.
As much as I’d like to say defensive work wins games, when the shooters are consistent, it tends to lift the performance of the entire team.
The midcourt appeared more confident in the release of the ball to the shooters and are starting to develop a better understanding.
The in-circle defence took opportunities, but still have too many penalties against them.
Lenize Potgieter, the South African goal shoot, alluded to the fact the game was so physical. Many of the South African players hadn’t experienced that.
An aspect of the game that is of concern is the amount of contact occurring away from the ball – players grabbing each other, or pushing in order to impede progress.
As to the team’s total performance, this game does provide a better indication of the pathway to be taken. Not because the team won, but more so with regards to the actual performance.
Players are still getting used to the different combinations, differences in coaching styles and trainings undertaken.
Mention has been made by several people, including myself, that the national premiership, over the past two years, is not of the standard required for elite competition. This season, teams knew they could have some losses and still be in a position of making the finals. A bad performance was simply left behind.
I had the opportunity to watch a few games in Australia this year. The games had intensity from start to finish and the wins did not come easily. I have also been there as a contract coach. I remember one occasion when I took a defensive session with a team.
I thought our work was quite progressive and leading into a realistic on-court situation. It was then that a player asked if we could try all the moves at intensity. And here I thought they were already doing so. I could see the whole performance lift another gear, players became competitive, ruthless, and demanding full effort from one another.
Players are very task-driven. Socially, they may not always be a totally cohesive unit, but once they take to the court, they are totally task-driven, working for each other and taking individual responsibility.
I believe this is the attitude Taurua wishes to instil into the Silver Ferns.
So where to from here for the Ferns? The next test is to see how they fare against Australia.
The coach will simply be wanting an increase in performance, no unforced errors and consolidating team combinations and understanding. This is the first of five games against Australia, as this Quad Series is closely followed by the Constellation Cup.
Having so many games against the same opponent must be able to give you an indication as to the progress of the team.
* Former Silver Ferns coach and 57-test defender Yvonne Willering will be writing regular columns for Stuff during the Quad Series and Constellation Cup.