Silver Ferns seek confidence boost
andrew.voerman@stuff.co.nz abounds when it comes to rediscovering their winning edge.
The Ferns’ record against the Australian Diamonds – who they play next Sunday, in their second Quad Series game – is equally as poor of late. They have had just five wins in 22 meetings since the World Cup.
There were glimpses of improvement at the end of last year once Taurua came on board, replacing Janine Southby, who resigned following a review prompted by the Ferns’ failure to win a medal at last April’s Commonwealth Games.
However, they had only two wins to show for it, one against the Diamonds and one against South Africa, which made Taurua’s raft of changes no surprise.
The return of Laura Langman to the fold was clearly a positive and if fellow veteran Kopua can have the same impact, involved for the first time since 2015, it could help the team find another level.
Both have spoken of their desire to win the World Cup, something neither have done before, with the Ferns’ last win coming in 2003, when the pair were still at college.
It may seem fanciful given their recent results but there is enough time for them to find what they need to get up over the two teams ahead of them.
Four years ago, New Zealand were well off the pace set by the Diamonds, losing nine straight heading into the World Cup, only to upset the Aussies in pool play, then push them close when they met again in the final, losing only by three.
Taurua pushed her charges hard before making her selections in December, with the intensity of the camp remarked upon by all who took part.
Now it’s case of seeing whether those who impressed her there can continue to do it on the court against the world’s best. Silver Ferns’ Quad Series squad: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maria Folau, Maia Wilson, Gina Crampton, Laura Langman, Kimiora Poi, Sam Sinclair, Whitney Souness, Karin Burger, Casey Kopua, Erena Mikaere, Jane Watson. Quad Series schedule, all NZ time: ❚ January 14, 7am v England in Liverpool ❚ January 20, 5.30am v Australia in London ❚ January 21, 4.30am: v South Africa in London