The start of an era
There was a time not too long ago when the Silver Ferns would have looked at the England Roses and expected a win, but things are very different now.
Before the two teams met in Auckland last August in the Quad Series, as they do again today, England had managed just four wins in 87 attempts, dating back to 1963.
In the six games since, they’ve won another four, including both meetings this year, moving past the Ferns to No 2 on the world rankings after becoming the Commonwealth champions by pipping hosts Australia in the final in April. With a World Cup at home 10 months away, they have every incentive to continue their golden run.
Which is why new Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua had to say her team were underdogs heading into today’s game, even if that runs contrary to the positive vibe that has surrounded them with her appointment and the returns of Laura Langman and Casey Kopua.
Those moves have raised expectations for a team that is looking to rebound after failing to win a Commonwealth Games medal for the first time, though Taurua has been careful not to promise too much too soon.
‘‘It’s something we’ve talked about and something we’re mindful about,’’ she said this week.
‘‘We represent our country, we’re the best players that are in the mix. We accept that, that we have no excuse apart from putting the best performance out there that we can. That just goes with the territory.
‘‘Saturday’s going to be a big challenge for us, but it’s exciting at the same time. You can only put yourself against the best, and we’ll get a realistic gauge of where we are in our current status.’’
The test against England marks the start of a 300-day run towards the World Cup, which begins on July 12 next year.
After this Quad Series, which also includes tests against South Africa, on Tuesday in Tauranga, and Australia, next Sunday in Melbourne, the Silver Ferns regroup in October for four more tests against Australia in the Constellation Cup.
There will be another Quad Series at the start of next year, as well as something following the end of the domestic season in June. But all told, it’s not a lot of preparation time.
For Langman, who was voted captain by the team this week, it’s important to keep the good vibes going, no matter what happens today.
‘‘There’s been really great energy and you can feel there’s good goforward and I think that’s fantastic.
‘‘Whether we go up or we go down, it’s about keeping that energy alive and keeping everybody contributing.’’
When Taurua’s first starting seven is unveiled, there will be at least three players present who weren’t involved in the Commonwealth Games campaign.
With Temalisi Fakahokotau suffering a serious knee injury this week, and Kelly Jury already sidelined following shoulder surgery, Jane Watson will start at goal keep.
Langman will start at centre, in her first test in two years, and in front of her Gina Crampton is likely to get the nod ahead of Elisapeta Toeava, who is seeking her first cap.
Karin Burger could be a fourth fresh face, should she edge Sam Sinclair for the start at wing
‘‘We represent our country, we’re the best players that are in the mix. We accept that, that we have no excuse apart from putting the best performance out there that we can.’’ New Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua, right
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defence. Burger is also chasing her first cap, as is teenage shooter Aliyah Dunn.
Crampton said it was important for the team to ‘‘be really hungry’’ in their first game under Taurua.
‘‘First we have to focus on ourselves, look after our mates, work for each other, and try to look after the ball. It’s pretty simple when you put it that way, but I’m sure come Saturday it will be a bit more intense.’’
Tdefenders time to react and take intercepts accordingly. The in-circle defenders named enjoy taking intercepts, rather than staying with the more traditional one-on-one defence, as generally employed by the Australians, and also adopted for a period of time by the Ferns.
Mention has often been made that we want to go back to our more traditional space marking when on defence, so now the players have an opportunity to do so.
They do not have the height advantage over Australia’s Caitlin Bassett and Caitlin Thwaites, or South Africa’s Lenize Potgieter, so a simple one-on-one defence won’t necessarily be effective anyway.
So, how will each country target this Quad Series?
The Ferns are simply looking for he Quad Series is upon us and all focus, questions, concerns and nervous apprehension relates to the Silver Ferns.
After the disastrous performances at the Commonwealth Games, changes had to be made. Not just in the coaching staff, but also player combinations out on court.
Behind the scenes, a number of changes are also under way, namely actions taken as part of the extensive review process outcomes.
Also, there is the need to regain the belief and support of our netball public.
I expect the Ferns to put out a credible performance – not simply because Noeline Taurua is now on board. Yes, she will make a difference as she comes into the position with great credentials, a fresh approach and no preconceived ideas. While looking into the future, it will also be about taking care of the present.
The present at this stage being to see an improvement in the team’s performance.
The team named for the Quad Series has some interesting possible New Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua will be looking to
combinations make an early impression during the Quad Series.
available.
Irrespective of what shooting combination takes to improvement. The series will the court, all shooters are capable of provide us with a gauge as to the accurate long shots and feel team’s strength at this time. The comfortable in taking these in a expectation will still be to see game. variations in the game plans, less
Even the youngster Aliyah Dunn predictability and for players to has shown she has the confidence to show that hunger to be the best they take some long shots. In the recent can be. Super Club competition, Dunn took
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many a long shot from the two-point ngland will want to show the area. Commonwealth Games
However, she needs to wasn’t a one off experience the overall Silver Ferns undertaking, that they now environment, before taking the in fact are a team that knows how to court. win.
With all shooters capable of Australia appeared to be the taking shots from anywhere in the most competitive team at the shooting circle, it means the Commonwealth Games, but simply opposition defence has to mark both stumbled in that final game. They shooters, rather than simply will want to regain bragging rights. marking the one closest to the post Individual players within the and pressurising the other shooter South African team have performed in taking that longer shot. with credit in the ANZ Premiership,
The midcourt will be fast on Australia’s Super Netball or the attack and will play the ball at Super League in England. They now speed. become Norma Plummer’s
Concerns have been expressed challenge to mould them into a that Elisapeta Toeava in particular competitive, working unit. is short at 1.61m and will have All teams, while wanting the difficulty passing the ball over wins on the scoreboard, will also see opposition defenders. However, this series as an opportunity to get with her speed and quick decision players out on court, leading into making, the opposition defence the world championships next year. won’t have the time to set up, so problem avoided. * Former Silver Ferns coach and
They will also work tirelessly on 57-test defender Yvonne Willering
defence, slowing the ball delivery in will be writing regular columns for
the midcourt, by the opposition, Stuff during the Quad Series and
thereby allowing the in-circle Constellation Cup.