Dana Johannsen: Latu provides glimpse of future for Silver Ferns

Catherine Latu. Photo / APN

Opinion

It has taken more than a decade to find a worthy challenger to Irene van Dyk's reign as New Zealand's shooting supremo, but on Wednesday night we saw the beginnings of what will be a fascinating contest for the mantle.

Newly eligible for the Ferns, Cathrine Latu made her first start for New Zealand in their second test against Australia in Adelaide, relegating the world's most experienced shooter to the bench.

It was the first time the Ferns had not used van Dyk in a match against the Diamonds since she debuted for New Zealand in 2000 and Latu's performance eased some of the anxiety over how the Ferns will cope when van Dyk eventually quits.

There were some shaky patches but Latu displayed a clever range of movement, and shouldered the bulk of the shooting responsibilities, converting 27 from 31 shots at goal.

But as talented as Latu is, her challenge is strengthened by her timing. At 39, van Dyk is now considered a year-by-year proposition. Remarkably she is showing no signs of slowing down on the court, but in her 201 international tests there is little van Dyk hasn't achieved and it is a question of how much longer she can stay motivated.

It is time for New Zealand to explore the options in their shooting ranks, and that job has fallen to new coach Waimarama Taumaunu.

It was considered by some a bold call for Taumaunu to start with Latu in the second test, but it was a logical one.

Latu needs to experience the heat of transtasman battle now,and the players around her need to get used to her presence in the shooting circle.

There was some criticism of Taumaunu's decision not to inject van Dyk back in to the attacking line when the game was in the balance late in the match.

But with the scores tied at 36-all heading in to the final quarter in Adelaide, the new-look New Zealand attack had given themselves every opportunity to beat Australia. Had Taumaunu called on van Dyk at that point she would have been sending a message to the team that she didn't think they could win without the veteran shooter.

She had to back Latu and co to do the job. While that faith was not re-paid on that occasion, in time it will be.

With the series up for grabs in tomorrow's final test in Melbourne, most are expecting to see the return of van Dyk to the starting line-up. Being able to recall the veteran sharpshooter is a great luxury for New Zealand to have, but it is one the Ferns can no longer take for granted.