Netball: Aussie squad forces Ferns into re-think

Norma Plummer. Photo / Martin Sykes

The Silver Ferns are facing some interesting tactical challenges in their upcoming two-test series against Australia, with Norma Plummer making several bold changes to her squad.

Plummer yesterday unveiled her 12-strong line-up that will contest the world championships in Singapore in July.

As part of their preparation for the tournament, Australia will play two tests against the Ferns, beginning in Palmerston North next Thursday.

The Australian coach favoured form over experience, making five changes to the team that won silver at last year's Commonwealth Games.

They include three debutants, with Thunderbirds pair Erin Bell and Sharni Layton and Firebirds' midcourter Chelsea Pitman earning their first test call-ups. The other newcomers are Fever shooter Caitlin Bassett and talented Vixens defender Julie Corletto, whose 2010 season was derailed by injury.

Changes were always likely after the loss of Australian captain Sharelle McMahon and midcourter Lauren Nourse to season-ending injuries.

But the other three to miss out - Susan Pratley, Renae Hallinan and Rebecca Bulley - were casualties of indifferent form this season or a lack of versatility.

Plummer made it clear she was looking for players to be adaptable in every form and, where possible, capable of swinging into different positions.

Silver Ferns' coach Ruth Aitken, who named her world championship squad in March, said with Australia making so many changes it forces her side to revisit different strategies to counter the variety of styles in the opposition.

"It does make us wary that we will have to do our homework even more," she said.

Aitken said in Bell, Natalie Medhurst and Catherine Cox, Australia have the option of sticking with a fast, moving circle, but the addition of the 1.93m Bassett also allows them to change it up with a holding player.

But it is on defence that the Diamonds appear to have the most options, with Plummer stacking her defensive line with five very physically imposing players, including two specialist goal keeps - Laura Geitz and Susan Fuhrmann.

"I think it is a reflection of the challenging shooters they are going to be up against with Jamaica, and down the track with us as well," said Aitken.

While Plummer has drawn on the depth in her ranks and named a new-look side for the July tournament, Aitken stuck with stability and experience, making just two changes to last year's test side. Conscious that predictability could prove their downfall, the New Zealand coach said it is important her side continue to build on their combinations in the upcoming tests to ensure they too develop variety in their lines.

"Our challenge is while we may have the same personnel in all but two, we have to continue our development as a team and the options we've got available to us.

"Certainly when you look at it in terms of our defence end and midcourt being so incredibly experienced and strong, we do have that ability to mix it up there.

"For us then the challenge over the next few weeks is to make sure we've got those back-ups well and truly in place and confident in the shooting circle as well."

The Silver Ferns will assemble in camp on Friday to prepare for the series.