Netball: Aussies hoping for world record crowd to spur them to victory

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken believes New Zealand's through-court defence will be crucial in tonight's one-off test against Australia in Sydney.

Australian officials are hoping for a world record crowd at Sydney's SuperDome in what will be the second to last time the transtasman rivals meet before next year's Commonwealth Games.

About 12,000 tickets have been been sold in the 16,500-capacity stadium, but a crowd of 14,339 is needed to break the world record set at the same venue in the opening test between the sides last November.

In what has become tradition, little is expected to separate the two best sides in the world .

Aitken believes both teams possess strong forward court players, therefore defence could be the key.

"I think it is going to be the team who put in that total defensive effort to create turnovers," Aitken said from Sydney.

"For us it is not waiting until they get into their attacking circle before our defence is really strong, it is getting on them in the midcourt."

In the past the Silver Ferns have been slow to adjust to Australia's tight one-on-one marking, but Aitken is hopeful the three warm-up games - against the Melbourne Kestrels, Melbourne Central and Hunter Jaegers - have prepared her players for the bruising battle ahead.

"When we punch through and use the speed of the ball, that is when we are at our best. If we get drifty we are in trouble."

Both sides are keen to settle on a line-up that will serve them best at the Games. The Silver Ferns go into the match with a more youthful look, including Casey Williams, Laura Langman, Maria Tutaia and Anna Senio. Australia have welcomed back possibly the most potent goal attack in the world in Sharelle McMahon.

Yesterday Aitken was still grappling with her starting seven where her biggest dilemmas were probably in defence.

Australian coach Norma Plummer has said she would not be surprised to see the wily Langman start at wing defence ahead of veteran Lesley Rumball, although Rumball was effective in shutting down Australian wing attack Natalie Avellino last year.

Magic goal keep Williams is another pushing for court time, but it would be a big call to start her ahead of Vilimaina Davu, who struggled against Australia at times last year.

The goal attack position will again come under intense scrutiny. With Irene van Dyk destined for another battering from the bolshie Aussie defence, New Zealand will need a goal attack that can take the pressure off her.

Jodi Te Huna should start, but a shaky performance from her could have her replaced early by either van Dyk's Magic team-mate Senio or promising under-21 player Tutaia.

The match is of special significance to van Dyk and her rival, Australia captain Liz Ellis.

Van Dyk will equal England's Kendra Slawinksi as the world's most capped player when she steps on court for her 128th international, while Ellis will equal Vicki Wilson's record as the most capped Australian with 104 tests.

* Silver Ferns v Australia

Tonight 9.30 live on TV One
Sydney SuperDome

New Zealand (from): Irene van Dyk, Jodi Te Huna, Anna Senio, Maria Tutaia, Adine Wilson (c), Temepara George, Laura Langman, Lesley Rumball, Joline Henry, Anna Scarlett, Vilimaina Davu, Casey Williams.

Australia (from): Catherine Cox, Sharelle McMahon, Eloise Southby-Halbish, Megan Anderson, Natalie Avellino, Natasha Chokljat, Natalie von Bertouch, Sarah Barrett, Alison Broadbent, Mo'onia Gerrard, Liz Ellis (c), Demelza Fellowes.