Colling lends her backing to faltering Ferns
Former captain Belinda Colling has offered a supportive voice to the besieged Silver Ferns, having experienced ‘‘dark days’’ in international netball herself.
New Zealand head into today’s Commonwealth Games semifinal against Australia down on morale and angry Kiwi netball fans demanding answers.
They have been bitterly disappointing, losing pool matches to Malawi and England, and stuttering to unconvincing victories over minnows Uganda, Wales and Scotland. The Ferns have lost 10 of 16 games since October, sparking calls for coach Janine Southby to be sacked or resign after the Games.
Colling, who played 91 tests between 1996-2006, is no stranger to disappointment or public scorn. She was captain when the Ferns butchered a six-goal lead after three quarters to lose to Australia in the 1999 World Cup final in Christchurch.
The former shooter had messaged several Silver Ferns after Wednesday’s 54-45 loss to England, their largest defeat in history to the Roses.
‘‘I’ve been there and had some dark days in the black dress and know what it’s like. It’s been pretty dark for them.
‘‘A lot of that [off the court criticism] has distracted away from the performance a little bit. There’s been so much ruthlessness directed at them.’’
Colling didn’t want to make excuses for the team and said the scrutiny was warranted. She was fortunate to play in an era before social media and hoped the Ferns players were staying off them.
New Zealand face a mammoth task against the red-hot gold medal favourites in front of what will be a parochial crowd.
The Diamonds cruised through pool play, thumping Jamaica 72-51 in their last pool match. Jamaica upset the Ferns twice in three days last month. Australia have won five straight matches against New Zealand, the last three by double digit (19, 16 and 12) goal margins.
Colling’s advice was to avoid the ‘‘outside noise’’, have confidence in their ability and be consistent in their performance, which has eluded them so far.
‘‘They’ve got to be thinking positively and they’ve got to try and get the right mindset about it because otherwise they’ll just fold. New Zealand v Australia, 7pm tonight (NZT) They do have to deliver.’’
New Zealand surprised a fullstrength Australia 57-47 in Invercargill on September 3. Colling called on the side to use that as inspiration and go back to what had worked well.
The Ferns got off to a fast start, leading 18-10 after the first quarter, which rattled the Diamonds. They also stemmed the flow of ball into prolific shooter and captain Caitlin Bassett, who was pulled off in the third quarter, a rare sight.
Wing defence Samantha Sinclair marked veteran midcourter Madi Robinson out of the match, a blueprint they’ll need to follow in the semifinal. Robinson was dropped after her quiet showing, but fought back to make Australia’s Games squad.
‘‘They’ve had it all their own way, Australia. If the pressure comes on, it may be something they haven’t had in this tournament and haven’t had to deal with.
‘‘Bassett does have weaknesses. They’ve got to get onto those, apply the pressure and make her uncomfortable right from the start,’’ Colling said.