Netball: First matches to test Ferns' game plans

Silver Fern Laura Langman. Photo / Natalie Slade

The Silver Ferns open their world championship campaign in Singapore tonight with a smooth path to the semifinals plotted out for them.

But midcourter Laura Langman believes tonight's game against Fiji, and fixtures against Wales and Trinidad and Tobago in the coming days are more than just a mere formality.

Given the ever-expanding gap between the top four nations in the world and the rest of the pack, there is very much a sense of the inevitable about the tournament, with New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica and England all but guaranteed to make the semifinals.

But Langman insists that doesn't make the early games any less important for her side.

"I think we do all our learning in these games," she said.

"Although they're not as competitive as some of the teams we will face later on, they play similar styles. So it's very good opportunity to ensure that we have the structures in place that we may have to use later on down the track," she said.

Langman used the example of Trinidad and Tobago, who the Ferns will face on Wednesday. She said Trinidad and Tobago play a typical Caribbean style of game, and much like Jamaica, their players are incredibly athletic and quick off the mark.

New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken said it is important for her side to realise the pool-play matches aren't simply a "means to an end", but a great opportunity to experience the way other countries play the game.

"What makes these tournaments so special is the international flavour, and what these teams bring," she said.

But Aitken admits she knows little of what Fiji will bring to the court tonight.

Although Fiji are presently ranked number 5 in the world, Aitken would struggle to name three players in their opposition.

"They are sight unseen. But we know the Fijian style, and it's really about us just getting out there and doing the basics well," she said.

Former Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering, who has been brought on as a technical adviser to Fiji for the world championships, said the team are a very inexperienced side and lacking in height. The tallest player in the side stands at 1.82m - a shade under 6ft in old money.

Fiji are captained by Matilda Waqanidrola, who played under Willering at the Northern Force in the old domestic league.

Langman said after an intense build-up, tonight's game can't come soon enough.

The New Zealand side had some down time over the weekend to spend with their family and friends, and yesterday attended their last two official functions before the tournament starts - a breakfast with an official tour party and last night's opening ceremony at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

"We're really excited, we really just want to get started on the pool-play," said Langman.

"We've had a really good build-up and we've covered off everything that we wanted to cover both last week and the camp in Auckland, so we're in a really good space."

The Ferns' main rivals all kick off their campaigns today.

England, who take on the unorthodox Malawi team in the evening session, probably have the toughest opponent, while South Africa will be aiming to be competitive with Jamaica.

Veteran defender Mo'onia Gerrard is set to earn her 50th cap for Australia when the Diamonds take on Linda Vagana's young Samoan team in the second match of the day.

ON THE COURT

Netball World Championships - Singapore Indoor Stadium - Day 2

* 3pm (NZT) Jamaica v South Africa
* 5.15pm Australia v Samoa
* 5.15pm Trinidad & Tobago v Wales
* 7.30pm New Zealand v Fiji
* 7.30pm Sri Lanka v Northern Ireland
* 9.45pm England v Malawi
* 12.00am Barbados v Malaysia