Shannon Francois, Laura Langman, Katrina Grant, Casey Kopua and Jodi Brown of New Zealand sing the national anthem. Photo / Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Shannon Francois, Laura Langman, Katrina Grant, Casey Kopua and Jodi Brown of New Zealand sing the national anthem. Photo / Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
The element of surprise and the unknown is something this New Zealand team has, which others in the past haven't....it could go horribly wrong, or wonderfully right.
AUSTRALIA
Laura Geitz and the Australian Diamonds hold the Constellation Cup. Photo / Getty Images
The strength of the Australians is that there are no weaknesses.
It would be a huge upset if Australia doesn't win the tournament.
But perhaps the fact they're such raging hot favourites is the weakness. There's a sense from some pundits and fans across the ditch that the Diamonds simply have to show up to win the title.
ENGLAND
With 10 players returning from the 2011 tournament in Singapore, the English boast the most experienced line-up of all the top four sides.
Coach Anna Mayes of England speaks to her players during game two of the International Test Series between the New Zealand Silver Ferns. Photo / Getty Images
It's time for England to walk-the-walk, but are there any scars left from one goal losses to New Zealand and Australia at the Commonwealth Games.
JAMAICA
Jamaica celebrate after winning the bronze medal match at the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Getty Images
The key for Jamaica is whether they can get the best out of Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, both goal-shooters in the ANZ Championship.
The problem is, with both being specialist goal shoots, they can't both be used in the shooting circle at the same time.
We may even see Aiken shunted down the other end of the court to the defensive circle.
If the Sunshine Girls are disciplined with the ball and on defence, the twin towers will be a huge threat.
MALAWI
Malawi celebrate their win over South Africa in the fifth-sixth place match at the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Getty Images
Even though we've seen much more of Malawi in recent years, their unpredictability and unorthodox style remains a great strength.
Shooter Mwai Kumwenda is one of the most thrilling players to watch and they have a strong leader in Caroline Mtkule.
OTHERS
Everyone's second favourite team seems to be Uganda. Perhaps because their nickname is the She Cranes and their best player is named Peace.
Singapore, Wales, Scotland and Fiji are all coached by New Zealanders. Auckland netball identity Marcia Hardcastle is in charge of Samoa.
