Excitement builds in Rotorua for the final test series game between the Silver Ferns and Jamaica on the weekend.
The Silver Ferns and Jamaican Sunshine Girls will battle it out in the third and final test of the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy tomorrow evening.
New Zealand have already wrapped up the series and trophy having won the first two tests - beating the Sunshine Girls comfortably 72-38 in the first clash played in Nelson, and 61-38 in Palmerston North on Wednesday night.
However Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby insisted the team will not be complacent despite the 2-0 series advantage and wants to "put on a show for the Rotorua crowd".
Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant said the side had been focusing on their "processes and interplay around the court" after Jamaica made her side fight a lot harder for their second test win.
"They came out fighting last time and so we know we will have a difficult test," she said.
"We have been working hard on accurate and clinical exchanges and cutting errors out.
Taini Jamison (centre) pictured with Silver Ferns Casey Kopua (left) and Laura Langman (right) during the Silver Fern v South Africa netball test match in 2015. PHOTO/Michael Bradley.
"It's amazing to be finishing the series here in Rotorua and it's a real honour that we will have Taini there with us.
"I'm delighted to be keeping hold of this trophy."
After the final whistle blows on Saturday night local New Zealand netball icon Taini Jamison, 88, will be there to present the trophy to the Silver Ferns.
The prestigious silverware, which was introduced in 2008, is contested when any net balling nation - other than Australia - plays the Silver Ferns on New Zealand soil.
"To have the trophy named in my honour is something that I'm very proud of," said Jamison.
Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant at training in Rotorua today. Photo/Ben Fraser
"I'm especially looking forward to watching all the new and exciting players that have come through in the Silver Ferns squad on the court.
"To be able to present the trophy is another honour that I keep close to my heart and I hope I'll be able to do it for a few more years yet!"
Jamison is one of the most successful Silver Ferns coaches in history with a 90 per cent winning record and as a coach of New Zealand from 1967-1971, she was the first woman to coach a New Zealand team to victory in a Netball World Cup (1967).
"From an historical point of view it is very important," said Southby.
"Everyone is looking forward to it and I expect an amazing atmosphere from such a passionate netballing city."
Jamison added: "I was born and bred right here in Rotorua so it is very fitting that we will come here to finish it off.
"And I was very happy that the series is against Jamaica because I have spent time over there coaching and training - memories that I cherish.
"It will be a very special night and so I hope Rotorua gets behind the Silver Ferns."
