England netball captain Olivia Murphy is confident the return of a couple of old heads will help her side to conquer the Silver Ferns in the three-test series starting in Auckland on Saturday.
England arrived in Auckland last week after a 61-21 trouncing by Australia. However, the defeated English sidewas missing five key players, including 27-year-old Murphy, who is still recovering from foot surgery but is expects to be fit for the series against New Zealand.
Also returning is experienced shooter Karen Greig, 25.
"Our attack end struggled a little bit [against Australia] so hopefully we will be able to provide a little bit of experience and guidance for our youngsters," Murphy said.
"Obviously the Silver Ferns are the world champions, you can't get any better than that.
"We know that they have got some lethal weapons, Irene [van Dyk] obviously being one. But we have got some fantastic defenders who will give her a very hard game I think."
Percentage shooting was an area where England struggled, netting just 21 goals from 42 attempts.
However with the return of Greig and support from coach Marg Caldow, a former Australian goal attack, an improvement is expected.
Caldow replaces former Silver Ferns Lyn Gunson and Waimarama Taumaunu who were the coach and assistant of the England side until July 2003.
The Silver Ferns have been in camp in Whangarei but will arrive in Auckland today. England face the New Zealand A team tomorrow night.
