New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken believes her Manchester spy mission should have plenty of benefits for the Silver Ferns.
When the rest of the Silver Ferns squad returned home after the controversial test series against Jamaica, Aitken carried on to England, where she watched Australia convincingly win a tournament involving England,
Wales and Barbados at the venue that will host the netball during the Commonwealth Games this year.
Aitken said the trip was worthwhile.
"It was very useful, it was great for me to see the venue and where we are staying and all that travel stuff, in terms of planning and getting an idea in my mind of what everything will be like.
"It was great sitting in the stands watching Australia and England play, taking some mental notes, which I wrote up back at the hotel."
Although Australia showed good form during the tournament, England also appeared to be improving, Aitken said.
The Silver Ferns play three tests against Barbados in New Zealand starting on June 29. The visitors would provide New Zealand with a reasonable challenge ahead of the Manchester Games, Aitken said.
"They will in terms of that Caribbean style, which is always good to be exposed to - as we have proven, you need as much of that as you can.
"Barbados have some very skilled players, they are quite aerial at times, they will provide a different challenge."
Aitken said she would be working her players as hard as possible during the Barbados series, so the team could taper off their training leading into the Games.
It had been difficult to find tough opposition for the Silver Ferns this year, Aitken said.
"We are very lucky [Barbados] are coming out ... certainly Australia never want to play in a year with a major competition.
"I always like to play Australia, it would have been great, but I certainly don't spend my time worrying about things I can't control."
- NZPA
