Ferns ‘can improve’
So what do the Silver Ferns need to change to their game in the next Constellation Cup match against Australia tomorrow?
If the focus is simply for a win, then they need to start with their most experienced lineup, not make too many substitutions during the game and play consistent netball throughout.
However, coach Noeline Taurua is still trying out different combinations in preparation for the world championship and I believe she will continue to do so in the next game.
Once the Ferns take on Australia on New Zealand soil in the third and fourth test matches, I think the team will become score focused.
The best is still to come. Now, for game one in the Constellation Cup. How did the team deliver after their last outing against Australia, when they gave a creditable performance, losing by five goals?
The first quarter was filled with errors from both teams. In fact, after four minutes of play, only three goals had been scored in total.
During the game, the Ferns were slow to react to umpiring decisions, in particular relating to contact by the shooters or a held ball.
The umpires were consistent in their calls and it simply required players to make the necessary adjustments.
Defensively, both teams managed a number of turnovers in Australia’s 57-42 win.
The Ferns initially adopted a space marking style of defence and had success when they stood off the opposition and looked for a ball in flight, to intercept. Normally with this style of defence you are able to take a two-handed, clean intercept.
Australia, on the other hand, employ a more one on one defensive style. This results mainly in tips from the opposition play and then taking possession, or a teammate is quick to the loose ball.
For some reason, our holding shooters, rather than simply protecting space in the circle, at times actively moved towards the defenders, prior to receiving the ball. I have noticed the same tactics used by some shooters, in the ANZ Premiership. This at times causes inevitable contact and thereby will involve umpiring decisions.
A number of these decisions went against the Ferns shooters. When Maria Folau went into the GS position in the last quarter, this was avoided as she has more movement to her game.
On the whole, the Ferns had far too many penalties in the game. Whilst defensively this simply means standing out of play for the next phase, when on attack it results in a turnover of ball to the opposition, and too often Australia scored from these opportunities.
Australia will go into the next test match tomorrow night with confidence, having managed to play all of their team members, whilst not losing any intensity to their game.
Let us look at the team selected for this Constellation Cup.
Three changes have been made from the team that last performed in the Quad Series last month.
Normally, there wouldn’t be this many. However, with the world championship being held next year, experimenting with players, to see if they can absorb the pressure and perform at the elite level, becomes a priority for Taurua.
The core of the team for next year’s championship is in place, now it becomes a question as to who will fill the remaining three to four places in the team.
Defensively, the inclusion of Sulu Fitzpatrick came as no surprise, as during the Quad Series, the only incircle experience was the Katrina Grant/Jane Watson combination.
Fitzpatrick already has a great understanding with Grant, as they play in-circle defence for the Pulse in the ANZ Premiership.
At the other end of the court, top Australian defender Courtney Bruce struggled at times against a holding shooter in the form of Aliyha Dunn, so with the addition of Maia Wilson to the team for this series, she provides another option.
The midcourt combination is also being experimented with, in order to develop the strongest possible combinations.