Silver Ferns netball team discuss strategies during training at AUT sports and fitness centre Northcote. 14 July 2015 New Zealand Herald photograph by Regan Schoultz.
Silver Ferns netball team discuss strategies during training at AUT sports and fitness centre Northcote. 14 July 2015 New Zealand Herald photograph by Regan Schoultz.
No one knew quite what to expect from the new-look Silver Ferns line-up when Waimarama Taumaunu named her World Cup team earlier this month.
The axing of several long-serving members of the national side in favour of exciting youngsters Malia Paseka, Phoenix Karaka and Kayla Cullen meant the end ofsome established combinations in the Ferns, leaving starting spots up for grabs.
After a series of pre-tournament work-outs over the last week against Fiji and South Africa, we now have a better idea of the relative strengths of the different lines available to the Ferns coaching staff.
There is a lot of pressure resting of the shoulders of rookie shooter Bailey Mes, who finds herself heading into her first major tournament as the number one goal shoot option for the Ferns. While she's unlikely to be able to match the likes of Australia's Caitlin Bassett for accuracy, she has proven she can match the world's top shooters for volume. That, combined with her impressive rebounding abilities, make her an unpredictable force in the goal circle.
2. The attack end are actually enjoying themselves
Under instruction to be fearless and let the ball go on attack, the Ferns forward line seems to be playing with a lot more energy and spark. They've taken the approach that not every ball is going to hit its mark, but so long as they continue to "sight it and send it" they'll give themselves enough opportunities to win matches. That attitude seems to be freeing for a lot of players.
3. The over-reliance on Laura Langman remains a concern
The Silver Ferns top three midcourt lines all feature one thing in common: Laura Langman is the key to all of them.
There's their top midcourt line of Grace Rasmussen (WA)-Langman (C)-Kayla Cullen (WD), their second line of Rasmussen-Shannon Francois-Langman, or their third line of Francois-Langman-Cullen.
Once again the Ferns management are placing all their faith in the fitness and durability of the veteran midcourter.
4. Defence will be key
Recognising that they are not going to be as accurate on attack as the other top nations - both in terms of their execution and finishing - the Ferns believe their winning edge will be their defence.
They need to turn over enough ball to keep the attack end in steady supply. The onus doesn't just lie with the likes of Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin in the circle either, with the strategy relying on a committed full court defensive effort to create the opportunities to win back the ball.
