. . . Optimism builds for Silver Ferns tests
New Zealand could host the first international netball games in the Covid-19 landscape with England or Australia options for the Silver Ferns.
Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has been in talks with Netball Australia and England Netball in recent months around playing the world champion Ferns on home soil in November.
A Cadbury Series warmup tournament, featuring the Ferns, New Zealand men, New Zealand under-21 side, and an ‘All Stars’ New Zealand A team for late October is set to be confirmed next week.
NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie ruled out the possibility of an international tri-series and said if tests could be locked in for November, it would be against either England or Australia. The tests would be contingent on the touring side being granted government exemptions to enter New Zealand and leave their home country.
‘‘We’re in discussions with both of them. We haven’t ruled out either. We’re just trying to see what works for everyone. The biggest piece in the puzzle is getting clearance from our government that this is going to be possible,’’ Wyllie told Stuff.
‘‘I think our immediate option would be hosting one or the other – having one team tour. The logistics are challenging. The protocols we need to meet are stringent and we understand why.’’
NNZ didn’t have a preference which country it played, but England could be the more likely option. Australian netballers are competing in Super Netball and may be eager for a break after a jam-packed schedule in the Queensland bubble.
The Super Netball playoffs begin on October 3 with the grand final set for October 18 in Brisbane. That would mean a short turnaround for Diamonds players, who haven’t had any international netball in 2020.
If the annual four-test Constellation Cup trans-Tasman series couldn’t be played in 2020, Wyllie hoped it could go ahead early next year. Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was determined to face their rivals, she said.
‘‘We certainly by no means want to rule out Constellation Cup. I know Noels [Taurua] will absolutely be hungry to play it. She has Aussie in her sights.
‘‘They’ve got a world No 1 ranking and I know Noels is after that too.’’
Any netball side entering New Zealand would need to quarantine for 14 days. Players would be able to train fully as a squad four days after arriving in the country, dependent on all members returning a negative Covid19 test on day three.
Netball’s smaller squad numbers, compared to some other sports, was an advantage, Wyllie said. With fewer than 25 people in their team bubble, they would be able to train together.
‘‘Given our size, it’s easier for us to live within the Ministry of Health guidelines around bubble size. We’re comfortable with the protocols.’’
Wyllie described organising home tests as a ‘‘moving feast’’. There were still plenty of hurdles to get through before games could be confirmed. Monday’s alert levels decision from the government would be critical. Should New Zealand move to level 1, crowds would be possible and restrictions eased around mass gatherings.
Having fans in attendance and international netball for broadcast partner Sky would be a boost for NNZ, but Wyllie stressed athletes’ safety was more important.
‘‘My No 1 priority is that their welfare is not compromised simply for a financial position. That is first and foremost and I’ve been really up front [about that].
‘‘Yes, we want to play. Yes, we want to have fans, but as we know netball is not a 40-50,000 seat stadium [event], so our imperative behind doing this is simply to ensure our athletes are out there doing the job they love, that their welfare is looked after, and that we’re visible for our fans.’’