Silver Ferns survive tough test

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

Silver Ferns 57
Malawi 49

It was scrappy. It was ugly. It was fraught.

The Silver Ferns remain unbeaten at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, but for 55 minutes of tonight's second round clash against Malawi that record looked seriously under threat.

In a match reminiscent of the Ferns' narrow three-goal win over the African side at last year's Commonwealth Games, New Zealand once again struggled with the unorthodox approach of Malawi, leading by just two goals mid-way through the final period. A late flurry of goals helped restore a more convincing 57-49 scoreline by the end, but it did not restore a sense of confidence in New Zealand's form having battled to a win over Jamaica the previous night.

But the win has confirmed the Ferns' place in Saturday's semifinals, where they are expected to meet England after the Roses went down to Australia 51-41 on Tuesday.

Aside from their blistering 6-0 start, the Ferns could not settle into any sort of rhythm against the niggly Malawi side as they struggled to find the same sort of freedom in their attacking play they have in their previous matches.

Without shooter Maria Tutaia and key midcourter Grace Rasmussen, who were rested last night following a torrid match against Jamaica on Tuesday, New Zealand lacked any spark, with wing attack Shannon Francois struggling to assert herself. But the Ferns were also given a thorough working over by the Malawi defence, who got away with an astounding amount of blatant hits.

A late hit on Jodi Brown by defender Caroline Mtukule in the third quarter forced the veteran shooter from the court at three quartertime, while midcourter Kayla Cullen struggled to keep her cool after copping a few shoulders from Bridget Kumwenda.

Ferns skipper Casey Kopua said once she saw Cullen getting frustrated by the aggressive Kumwenda she had a talk to the youngster.

"I was just keep telling her to keep eye contact with me and keep calm, because at the end of the day what's it going to do? So we just had to play it cool and get the ball because that will make them more angry," said Kopua.

But despite the Ferns' attack getting flustered at times, New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu said she was most disappointed with her side's defensive effort, having struggled to generate enough turnover ball from the opposition.

The crafty Queens were clever about how they worked the ball through the court, playing the ball around them until the gap opened up, which frustrated the New Zealand defenders. With star shooter Mwai Kumwenda, who plays for the Tactix in the ANZ Championship, finding good space under the goal as she danced and weaved her way around Kopua, most of the balls that found their way into the Malawi circle, also found their way into the net.

"I felt our attack game was safe and secure game, we just didn't get enough ball on defence. They too played a safe and secure game and they have a talented goal shooter who finished it off for them."

The Ferns will have a much needed day off tomorrow to rest after two torrid matches, before they take on Uganda on Friday in their third and final round qualification match.