Netball World Cup: Diamonds on track after upset by Kiwis

Jamaica's Romelda Aiken is seen as a big threat by Australia. Photo / AP

The tails are back up in the Australian camp as they approach the Netball World Cup semifinals this weekend.

After last Sunday's shock loss to the Silver Ferns in pool play, the Diamonds are much more comfortable with how they're tracking in the tournament, having responded with convincing wins over England (51-41) and South Africa (66-31) in the second round.

Like the Ferns, Australia had a rest day yesterday ahead of their final-round qualification matches tonight. New Zealand will take on Uganda, while Australia meet Wales. Neither match is expected to affect the likely semifinal meetings, with the Ferns heading for a showdown against England tomorrow, while Australia look set to face Jamaica unless Malawi pull off an upset against the Sunshine Girls today.

After the Malawi Queens came worryingly close to tipping over the Silver Ferns on Wednesday night, you can't rule out the possibility of the African side forcing their way into the finals, but they may struggle with the height of Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken.

Diamonds defender Rebecca Bulley believes her side is well prepared to take on either nation.

"That loss to New Zealand was a good wake-up call. We've come together as a team, we really enjoy each other's company and I think that really shows out on court with the performance against England and then [on Wednesday] against South Africa as well," said Bulley.

In preparation for tomorrow's semifinals, Australia have paid particular attention to how they can combat the threat of the 1.96m Aiken.

Aiken is no stranger to the Australian defensive circle, having played eight seasons of transtasman league netball with Diamonds captain Laura Geitz at the Queensland Firebirds.

Bulley, who was also a member of the championship-winning Firebirds side this year, says shutting down Aiken requires a relentless full court defensive effort.

"We've had a look at their game and obviously Romelda is their big target in goal shooter so it's really about the work we can do out front to stop that ball before it even gets to her," she said.

Competition for places in the Diamonds' defensive circle for the finals clashes is tight. At this stage it's looking as if there'll be no room for Sharni Layton - the standout defender in this year's ANZ Championship - in the starting line-up, with Geitz and Julie Corletto still the preferred defensive pairing.

But Diamonds newcomer Paige Hadley, who has impressed in her appearances at wing attack so far this tournament, believes starting spots for their finals matches are still up for grabs. "Definitely, I think everyone in the 12 are strong enough to start."