Men to test Ferns in Cup warm-up

The Silver Ferns are set to face the New Zealand Invitation Men’s team in a World Cup preparation match.

The historic game will be part of the upcoming International Netball Series, with the Silver Ferns also set to face Fiji and a domestic All Stars side at Pulman Arena in June.

Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua said facing the men would be a pleasant challenge for her side — one she wasn’t overly confident would result in a win.

“They’re amazing when they play and we’ve sort of used and abused them in the past and not given them full recognition,” Taurua told D’Arcy Waldegrave on Radio Sport. “This is big, not only for the Silver Ferns but for our brand . . . no one’s ever done it before. The only offset to that is losing before the worlds, possibly. More than likely, they could beat us because we don’t have the elevation or that same aerial gain.

“But in the past, we’ve absolutely smashed opposition going into the World Cup and we over-inflate what we think we are, so I’m happy with it, I think it’s great . . . we’re going to get as good quality competition as we can leading into the worlds and that’s what it’s all about.”

David Pala’amo, head of the New Zealand Men’s Netball Association, said it was terrific for men’s netball to be recognised.

“The New Zealand Men have often trained and played against the Silver Ferns leading into key events but they will now have the chance to showcase their skills to the whole country, which is exciting.”

The matches against the New Zealand Invitation Men’s team and an All Stars side — largely selected from the ANZ Premiership franchises — would also give the Silver Ferns a thorough workout in their last public displays before heading to Liverpool in July.

Taurua will name her World Cup squad on May 23, while national selectors will announce the All Stars team at halftime of the ANZ Premiership grand final on June 2.

In addition to the June International Series, the Silver Ferns will be back in action in October when they contest the Constellation Cup against the Australian Diamonds.

Two tests will be played in Australia, while Christchurch and Auckland’s Spark Arena will host the matches on this side of the Tasman.