Netball: Aussies seek revenge for their 15-point hiding

SYDNEY - Beware a wounded Australian. That's the warning to the Silver Ferns from the captain of the Australian netball team, Kathryn Harby-Williams, whose side will seek redemption in their Tri-Nations test in Sydney tomorrow night.

New Zealand are expected to beat South Africa comfortably tonight, but will confront the fired-up world champions 24 hours later in a match which cannot come quickly enough for Harby-Williams and her players.

She said dented pride from their 40-55 loss to the Silver Ferns in Melbourne last Saturday had steeled their resolve.

"We were totally embarrassed.

"We have a lot of pride in representing our country and we very much respect New Zealand, but we are better than a 15-goal loss.

"We have spent a lot of time going through that game on video and working out what we can do to improve our performance.

"As much as we were very disappointed, we believe we have a team that is talented enough to turn the scoreline around. We do have the belief we can do it, which is most important."

The first evidence that Australia will not be such a pushover emerged on Wednesday in their record 72-28 hammering of South Africa in Canberra. It was the lowest total the Proteas have ever scored in a test.

"That was much more pleasing, I hope it sends a message," Harby-Williams said. "It was more of the Australian style of netball that we know. A lot sharper.

"There was an air of confidence about the girls, so it's a perfect lead-up for the game against New Zealand on Saturday."

While the defensive trio of Liz Ellis, Harby-Williams and Peta Squire were near their best, more focus was on the attacking end of the court where the Australian shooters had recorded a poor 67 per cent success rate against New Zealand.

Melbourne Phoenix team-mates Sharelle McMahon and Eloise Southby set the tone with 23 from 24 in the first quarter.

The New Zealanders arrived in time only to watch the second half.

Vice-captain Lesley Nicol was glad they did.

"There was a lot for us to look at, but we already realised Australia would be tougher next time. We still have a lot to work to do going into the last two tests," Nicol said.

All three teams travelled from Canberra to Sydney yesterday and reported injury-free squads. The New Zealanders did some pool and video work.

Presuming they win tonight, New Zealand's points differential against South Africa will mean nothing in terms of claiming the Tri-Nations title.

Australia can only win the series if they beat New Zealand by at least 15 goals, because that was the Silver Ferns' margin in Melbourne.

- NZPA