Find a cutting edge
DIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander will demand a harder edge in tomorrow’s final Series Test against New Zealand as the team aims to assert their authority over the rebuilding Silver Ferns.
After wins over South Africa and England, the Diamonds can sew up their three-Test series with victory over New Zealand at Melbourne Arena to extend their winning streak over their netball arch rivals.
The Diamonds scored a thumping 21-goal win in their last meeting against their old foes in the semi-final at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games earlier this year their sixth straight win over the Silver Ferns.
The Kiwis have entered a new era under the guidance of new coach Noeline Taurua, but Alexander still considered them a threat and said her team would need to deliver a tougher performance from their effort against a physical England.
“We’re not taking this lightly at all, the Kiwis they are full strength for this team and this series,’’ Alexander said.
“We know we need to improve from the other night as well … we need to make sure we take on the body.
“Whether we are going to use our screens or whether we are going to use that space, we need to make sure that we take the ball strongly.
“Particularly when we have got the New Zealand style of flying through for the intercepts, we have got to make sure we come in strongly onto the ball.’’
Alexander said the return of veteran and new Silver Ferns captain Laura Langman, who has returned after a two year hiatus from the national side, would be a key focus for the Diamonds.
“We know we have got a challenge out there and we know that her energy and the leadership that she provides to the team gives them confidence so we know we have got to work to make sure we counteract that,’’ Alexander said.
Midcourter Liz Watson, who was named player of the match against England, said the Diamonds had done their research and were prepared for the “evolving’’ Ferns, who have 1-1 record in the Quad Series.