Dana Johannsen and Radio Sport's Rikki Swannell answer the burning questions following the Silver Ferns' shock 52-47 win over Australia on day three of the Netball World Cup.
1. Honesty call, did you see that coming?
DJ: You could say I was a little surprised. This Silver Ferns group has always had a lot of potential, but I didn't expect they could pull off that sort of performance so early in their development. To produce such a confidentand assured performance against Australia - a side they haven't beaten in two years - after just one month together is a stunning result.
RS: Not even remotely. I thought NZ were tracking along well enough, but there was no real way of knowing just how far they'd had come... and, even if they'd taken a big leap, Australia were a long way ahead this time last year. The sense of validation for the Ferns must be huge - not just the squad selection, but also the style of play and the options they have. The confidence boost can't be underestimated, but as Wai Taumaunu said " One game doesn't make it a trend".
2. Who was the stand-out performer for you? You can only pick one.
DJ: Ooohh it's really hard. They were all bloody impressive, but the Ferns' warrior at back, Casey Kopua, gets my vote. Kopua didn't have a good start to the tournament as she continues to get her timing and confidence back after that horror knee injury last year. But just when doubts were beginning to creep in about her readiness for the tournament, she produces an outstanding defensive performance. The crafty Kopua did an impressive job of containing Australian supershooter Caitlin Bassett, setting the platform for the win.
RS: Bailey Mes. She took on an enormous challenge and won. Laura Geitz was barely a factor in the match with Mes' speed, footwork and agility constantly keeping the Australians guessing and therefore allowing Maria Tutaia the freedom to play her game. Mes has been under enormous scrutiny after being anointed the number one goal shoot despite the questions over her accuracy, but has such a mild-manner and good-nature that she doesn't outwardly appear to show any of that pressure.
3. Are Australia done with?
DJ: Definitely not. We did not see Australia at their best tonight, there were a lot of uncharacteristic errors - dropped balls, passes going straight out of court and miscommunications on attack - that you can guarantee they won't make a habit of. The Diamonds have also now had a good look at the New Zealand attack line and the management staff will already be plotting how they can counteract the likes of Bailey Mes and Maria Tutaia if they meet again later in the tournament.
RS: This would be one of the poorest performances I've seen from an Australian team for some time. Everything had been sunshine, rainbows and lollipops for the past year so this will be a real jolt for them. They'll say this is a reality check and not a bad thing, but surely this has to put some doubt in their minds and spook them a bit. Of course they're not done, but the Ferns have shown England and Jamaica that there are most definitely chinks in the armour, and Australia doesn't have to just turn up to win.
