Taurua heartened by comeback
Twelve months ago, the Silver Ferns would have folded in the same situation and lost by 20.
While disappointed not to pull off a comeback victory, coach Noeline Taurua praised the fight from her side after they lost a 50-49 cliffhanger to Australia at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool on Thursday (NZ time).
Both Australia and New Zealand were already assured of semifinal berths prior to the game with the result determining who would have the higher seeding in Group F.
The way the Silver Ferns hauled themselves back into the contest speaks volumes about the progress they have made since Taurua took over as head coach in August.
This is a talented Australian side, who’d won by an average of 58 goals in their first five games, and are heavily favoured to win their fourth World Cup in succession.
At last April’s Commonwealth Games and the January 2018 Quad Series, the Ferns lost by 19 and 21 goals to Australia, capitulating when the classy Diamonds went on a run of goals.
Trailing by eight goals (34-26) early in the second half, the Ferns could have easily crumbled, but showed plenty of grit to claw their way back into the contest.
They would take inspiration from that, whoever they face in the semifinal, Taurua told media post-game. ‘‘There’s a lot of pride and a lot of spirit and that’s great, but also we shouldn’t have got ourselves into that position.’’
New Zealand drew level at 49-49 late in the game, but Caitlin Bassett scored for Australia to put them back in front. Maria Folau had a chance to tie the game with six seconds left, but her attempt rimmed out. Even if the game had finished in a draw, Australia would have advanced as top qualifier in Group F, courtesy of their superior goal percentage.
Down 28-22 at halftime, Taurua wasn’t afraid to go to her bench with the changes creating an impact.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio looked a different player after being spelled late in the first half and returning in the third quarter. Taurua made a raft of substitutions, taking off key players Folau and Casey Kopua, also briefly, to try and disrupt Australia.
Captain Laura Langman stressed the semifinals were the only results that mattered now and the Ferns got what they wanted from the Australian game.
Having flown through their first five games, where they were never tested against weaker opposition, Australia was the perfect rehearsal for the Ferns ahead of the semifinals, Langman said. ‘‘I think it’s really funny and I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but it’s going to be the next games from here on in.’’ Australia 50 (Caitlin Bassett 37/40, Steph Wood 13/16) New Zealand 49 (Maria Folau 21/24, Ameliaranne Ekenasio 20/24, Bailey Mes 8/10) Quarter scores: 13-10, 28-22, 40-36.