Netball: Australians will keep title says Vagana

By JULIE ASH in Kingston

Former Silver Fern Linda Vagana can't see any team other than Australia leaving Jamaica with netball's top prize.

Vagana, who is now the captain of Samoa, believes Australia will retain their title as world champions but can't decide whether they will face New Zealand or Jamaica in the final.

Samoa have played Australia and Jamaica in the last two days, losing to Australia 76-27 on Monday and Jamaica 84-24 yesterday.

Although Samoa's match against Australia was closer than it was against Jamaica, Vagana said Australia are an extremely polished unit who are going to take some toppling.

"Australia are looking very sharp," Vagana said. "All of their players are just so fit and strong and they have such a good bench."

She is confident Australia will have no problems beating hometown favourites Jamaica when the two sides meet in pool play tomorrow.

"Australia are just so much more skilled. Their movements are quick and they play a really fast-paced game.

"Jamaica are pretty strong, too. They have really tall shooters and they are speedy and aerial but I can't see them beating Australia."

If Australia beat Jamaica and finish top of the pool it will mean New Zealand face Jamaica in the semifinals.

"A lot of people think New Zealand will have trouble against Jamaica but the Silver Ferns will know people are thinking that and that will excite them and help motivate them."

However, Vagana believes New Zealand are extremely vulnerable in the goal attack and goal defence positions. "What happens if something happens to Belinda Colling or Sheryl Clarke?"

She also believes New Zealand are disadvantaged by the draw.

While Australia will encounter the different styles of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa in their pool, New Zealand face minnows Niue Islands, the Cook Islands and Fiji, whose styles are all similar to that of New Zealand.

England today are expected to be their only real challenge - and even then the Silver Ferns should win comfortably.

"It also makes it tough for New Zealand because if they do beat Jamaica in the semis they have to turn around and play Australia the next day in the final whereas Australia's semi, likely to be against England, will be a lot easier," Vagana said.

And as for the Jamaican crowd, Vagana said her side were possibly a little bit lucky that they weren't in full voice yesterday.