Ferns set out rules for clash with men
Forget about defensive hoists and long aerial passes when the New Zealand men’s netball team faces the Silver Ferns.
The men will be in the spotlight on June 27 at Papakura’s Pulman Arena when they provide the Ferns valuable World Cup preparation. In the past, the sides have regularly played training matches behind closed doors, but this game will be televised live and recognised as a public fixture – a huge boost for men’s netball.
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua will speak with men’s cocoaches David Pala’amo and Sarah Michelle Hansen-Vaeau prior to the clash to establish some basic rules around the game. The last thing the Ferns would want before they jump on the plane for the World Cup in Liverpool, England, starting on July 12, is a concussion or serious injury to a key player.
‘‘Those are discussions we’d have to have to make sure we’re on the same page about how we play the game,’’ Taurua told Stuff.
‘‘Discussions will take place. I’m just not in that space yet, but they will. I think we’ve got to make sure we showcase this game as positively as possible.’’
Pala’amo confirmed to Stuff there wouldn’t be any defensive hoists to try and prevent goals, as made famous by former Ferns defender Anna Harrison. The men will play a limited aerial game and won’t be sending the ball into their shooters from halfway. They are expected to play at a high speed with short, sharp passes on attack.
‘‘Our game plan will be good solid controlled netball. That’s our game plan,’’ Pala’amo said.
The match was the brainchild of Taurua, who recognised how critical it was for the Ferns to receive tough netball before the World Cup. With netball’s leading nations unwilling to travel so close to the tournament or reveal their tactics, the Ferns had to get creative for opposition.
June’s series also features Fiji, coached by former Australian shooter and Ferns assistant Vicki Wilson, and an All Stars side, which will comprise the Ferns’ four World Cup standby players and fringe performers, who don’t make the 12-player Cup squad.
Training games between the Ferns and men are closely fought with no love lost. Taurua said the uncompromising men’s defence would be ideal two weeks out from the World Cup.
Pala’amo spoke positively about the unique opportunity for the men to play the Ferns in front of a crowd and television audience.
‘‘It’s going to show that it’s a sport that applies to both sexes equally.
‘‘It’s a huge step and we’re honoured to be a part of this,’’ Pala’amo said.