Netball: Ferns camp full of confidence ahead of semifinal

Bailey Mes of New Zealand catches the ball during the 2015 Netball World Cup Qualification round match between New Zealand and Malawi. Photo / Getty Images.

They're the only unbeaten team remaining at the Netball World Cup, but as of today the Silver Ferns record counts for nothing.

After two stages of pool play under the rather complicated revamped World Cup format, whadda yah know - the same four foes will contest the semifinals today. The Silver Ferns take on world no.3 England, before Australia meet Jamaica.

The two match-ups had looked virtually assured since Tuesday's second round crossover matches, when New Zealand surged past Jamaica and the Diamonds toppling England by 10 goals. In the intervening days the teams have had to bide their time as they completed the round qualification matches, during which Malawi came close to tipping over the Netball World Cup apple cart - falling to Jamaica by one-goal yesterday.

Having impressed early on in the tournament with their confident win over title favourites Australia, New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumauanu said her side are ready to produce the same sort of form under must-win conditions.

"We're really excited and this is why we train," she said.

Since last Sunday's stunning result, the Ferns have come through a couple of torrid second round tests, with Jamaica and Malawi proving particularly bruising encounters.

The other side of the draw has proved less so, as South Africa and Wales were more straight forward assignments for England and Australia.

But Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia, who last night notched up her 100th test appearance, said the vibe in the New Zealand camp is one of confidence and determination.

"The girls are feeling really good, but we know we've still got a long way to go. We've got the right structures and methods in place. We've just got to make sure we're making the most of our recovery and preparing well so we can play the best netball we can play," she said.

England has only beaten New Zealand on four occasions - the most recent being in October last year - and have never featured in a grand final of a major tournament. The Roses came to Sydney confident 2015 would be their year, but are yet to show that same sort of confidence in their on-court performances.

They fell to a 10-goal loss to Australia earlier in the week, and England coach Tracey Neville does not appear entirely settled on what her top line-up is. But with world class defenders Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma, England remain a huge threat for the Ferns.

Tutaia said she is looking forward to renewing her rivalry with Mkoloma today after the veteran defender recently returned to international netball following a four-year absence.
"There is a reason why she's come back, she's not here to play tiddly winks," said Tutaia.
"If we can use our ball speed, especially around that circle edge, our aerial game and our skill, I know we can dominate."

Likewise England believe they have the gameplan to counter the new-look New Zealand attack line. English midcourter Jade Clarke said while the Ferns game style is much different to what they've come up against in the past, they are prepared for New Zealand's new approach.

"We think we've got the gameplan to get ball off them because they are very good at keeping possession," said Clarke.

"We've got to put ourselves in position to get the ball, we can't concede because they will just front-cut us and work their way in really patiently. You've got players like Laura Langman who are good at holding possession and will just go and go, so we've really got to get stuck in and go after it."

Netball World Cup semifinals:
New Zealand v England, 2.10pm
Australia v Jamaica, 4.20pm