Ferns in dire need of a boost
OPINION: An ugly loss to Australia sans Caitlin Bassett would destroy any slim confidence the Silver Ferns have six months out from the Netball World Cup.
The Ferns picked up where they left off in 2018 with a sub-par 54-41 loss to Commonwealth Games gold medallists England in their Northern Quad Series opener in Liverpool on Monday.
New Zealand produced some encouraging play in the first half, trailing 25-24 at halftime, but unravelled in the third quarter, where they were outscored 15-6.
Few expected the Ferns to knock over a near full-strength England at home, but their sloppy error rate and the way they folded meekly after halftime was concerning.
It doesn’t get any easier with reigning world champions Australia next up in London on Sunday. Australia will be weakened by the loss of captain and star goal shoot Bassett, who fractured her left forearm in a practice match and is expected to be out for at least six weeks. Bassett, who stands 1.93m, has dominated Kiwi defenders throughout her career.
Australian netball sides are formidable regardless who takes the court, but the Ferns will know they can put pressure on whoever starts alongside goal attack Gretel Tippett.
Losing to Australia again without their gun goalscorer would be a blow for the down-andout Ferns this close to the World Cup and one they would battle to come back from.
If the Ferns could upset Australia it would galvanise the squad and show new coach Noeline Taurua they are taking small steps in the right direction and have the right players involved.
New Zealand looked to be doing that when they knocked over the Diamonds 55-44 in Hamilton in October in the Constellation Cup. Australia rested Bassett for the first quarter, but not even her introduction could spark them into life.
Four days later, the Ferns reverted to their inconsistent ways, delivering a sluggish showing in the final test in Wellington, losing 58-47.
Regaining respectability after a dreadful 2018 Commonwealth Games, where they failed to medal for the first time, was never going to be a quick fix.
What has been most alarming is the haphazard nature of the performances in the Quad Series and Constellation Cup series to end last year.
New Zealand regularly take one step forward, but then another two backwards, undoing any positive work. Taurua will be annoyed the side hasn’t been able to show steady progress between games. Several of the young performers haven’t made the most of their opportunities in the international arena and some have paid the ultimate price by being axed for this series.
For the Ferns to start matching it with World Cup title favourites England and Australia over 60 minutes of netball they must get more from their middletier talent.
You typically know what you’re going to get from captain Laura Langman, veteran shooter Maria Folau, and experienced defender Casey Kopua, who is back playing international netball after a three-year hiatus.
Defender Jane Watson was the side’s best player in last year’s Quad Series and Constellation Cup, but they’re still not getting enough from midcourters Sam Sinclair and Gina Crampton.
No-one expects the Silver Ferns to win gold in Liverpool in July, but they need to start showing improvement.
A heavy loss to Bassett-less Australia would leave them at the crossroads with the clock ticking faster until their World Cup opener in July.