Netball: Ferns power home with decisive win

Goal attack Maria Tutaia made her second appearance after almost six months on the sideline. Picture / Michael Bradley

The Silver Ferns continued their mix-and-match selection policy but retained their ruthless efficiency to score a clinical game two win in the Oceania Tri-Series in Fiji last night.

Following up on Monday night's 53-goal win over Fiji, the challenge for the Silver Ferns was to maintain their consistency and accuracy against a familiar-looking side stacked with New Zealand-based players.

Coach Waimarama Taumaunu again opted to field two different line-ups in both halves and continue the development of fringe players and fledging combinations ahead of the World Cup in seven months' time.

With inspirational captain Laura Langman and her stand-in deputy Katrina Grant both rested from the first-half action, it was left to Leana de Bruin to lead the side from goal defence.

Goal shoot Ellen Halpenny was rewarded with another stint, alongside goal attack Maria Tutaia, in her second appearance after almost six months on the sideline with a foot injury, while Grace Rasmussen slotted in at wing attack.

Samoa started the match brightly, refusing to concede an inch and coming forward across the court to apply defensive pressure, while on attack they showed glimpses of brilliance, with former Silver Ferns hopeful Julianna Na'oupu impressing in her test debut.

Despite closing the margin to within one, basic errors, including 11 first-quarter turnovers, hurt Samoa's cause, before the Silver Ferns managed five straight goals to help them to a 19-9 lead at the first break.

There were positive signs at the Silver Ferns' attacking end, with Halpenny and Tutaia varying options and sharing the scoring and distribution work. Both players benefited from Rasmussen's flair and athleticism on the flank and Camilla Lees' speed in the midcourt as the Kiwis began capitalising on swift transitions between defence and attack.

A lighting malfunction interrupted play early in the second term and offered Samoa a chance to regroup, but on the resumption New Zealand maintained their speed and efficiency in attack to finish the half ahead 39-15.

Mass changes at the break saw Bailey Mes, Jodi Brown and Shannon Francois injected into the attack, and despite taking time to find their feet the Ferns kept up their intensity and began to dominate.

Young goal keeper Phoenix Karaka was retained on court for the second half, in just her second test outing after missing the Fiji game with a tendon injury, and combined well with the fresh-legged Grant to maintain their speed and power out of the defensive end.

Errors and fatigue combined to bring the referee's whistle into the scrappy dying stages, but with Samoa suffering a crisis of confidence the Silver Ferns powered home for an emphatic victory.