Netball: 10 Reasons Silver Ferns were too good for the Aussies

1. Vilimaina Davu and Anna Scarlett

The New Zealand defence brought Australia's classy shooting line-up to a complete standstill in the second half of the 50-43 test win in Sydney on Wednesday. Davu, although possibly a little over the top at times, was much more effective in containing influential Australia shooter Catherine Cox this time.

Scarlett's long limbs were difficult for her rivals to elude while New Zealand's defence of the shot combined with their relentless pressure clearly intimidated the Australians, who finished the game with a dismal 67 per cent shooting record.

2. Laura Langman

Playing just her fourth game for New Zealand, the 19-year-old displayed maturity beyond her years. Extremely composed and unforgiving on defence, Langman eliminated her rival Natalie Avellino from the game.

3. Jodi Te Huna

Since Belinda Colling's departure, the goal attack position has been of concern to Silver Fern fans. With their opposition tending to double-team shooter Irene van Dyk, New Zealand needs a goal attack who can stand up and take the pressure off her by being more available for the ball and putting up more shots. Against Australia Te Huna rose to the occasion. Although she will be disappointed with her 67 per cent shooting, she rotated the circle well and appeared a lot more confident.

4. Their style of play

While New Zealand can bamboozle their opponents with their speed through court, on this occasion they were a little more controlled and concise with their passing. While they were still fast in patches, they did mix their speed up, which proved effective.

5. They were aggressive

While much has been made about the level of physicality in the game it did appear both teams gave as good as they got with the exception of Davu whose enthusiasm got the better of her on a couple of occasions. New Zealand and Australian clashes have always been physical so it is a case of dealing with it and the New Zealanders did that better than their rivals.

6. They adjusted to the umpires quickly

Improving the standard of the international pool of umpires has long been an issue for the international body and until that happens New Zealand and Australia are just going to have to put up with mediocre umpires. How can an umpire from a low-ranked netball country possibly be expected to keep up with the frantic pace New Zealand and Australia play the game? It would probably be best if the match was officiated by one umpire from New Zealand and one from Australia but that doesn't exactly help to improve the standard worldwide. Adjusting to the umpires is the key to success and New Zealand did that better than Australia.

7. They were composed

Before the 2003 world championships the Silver Ferns had a tendency to falter under pressure. Remember the 1999 world championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games? However, in Wednesday night's game they kept their composure in the last quarter and hammered it home in front of 12,500 screaming Australian fans.

8. Ruth Aitken and Leigh Gibbs

The New Zealand coaches must be given credit for masterminding yet another Silver Fern victory. Since taking over the coaching reins in 2001 they have notched up 34 wins and just three losses. In this match Aitken and Gibbs had clearly done their homework and developed strategies which were successful in counteracting their rivals.

9. Captain Adine Wilson and Temepara George

The dynamic duo were convincing in every aspect of their game. George was her usual relentless self, despite a rather bruising encounter with her opponent Natalie von Bertouch.

10. They were quick to adjust to Australia's one-on-one defence

Three warmup games before the test seem to have done the trick. Apart from a wobbly start, the Silver Ferns settled into their game and their flow through court came instantaneously.