Diamonds wary of Plummer’s influence

AUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander is on alert for the new “tricks” of danger team South Africa in the Diamonds’ second outing of the Quad netball series.

Now under the guidance of former Australian coach Norma Plummer, Alexander watched as the hosts gave England a scare in their first matchup of the series at the weekend.

South Africa forced the game into extra time before England claimed a 60- 55 victory.

“They pushed England all the way to extra time and played without fear,’’ said Alexander of the team the Diamonds will face early tomorrow morning.

“That will be a true test. We won’t be take them lightly. They have really improved. They have nothing to lose and might as well go for it.’’

Alexander said she always expected the unexpected from teams coached by Plummer, who led Australia to their 2011 world championship victory.

“She usually has something up her sleeve,’’ Alexander said.

“But we will bring our intent and attitude.’’

Australia kicked off their defence of the netball Quad series with a 57- 50 defeat of New Zealand on Sunday. Alexander’s faith in veteran shooter Susan Pettitt paid off with the NSW netballer named MVP in her first Test since 2013.

Alexander is juggling having her team perform well in the series with keeping all players at their best for their return to their clubs just eight days prior to the start of the new Super Netball league.