Netball: England coach gives edge to Australians

England coach Marg Caldow believes Australia would have the edge if they squared off against the Silver Ferns today.

Caldow's English side were trounced by Australia 61-21 on their way to New Zealand, but the margin against New Zealand was much more respectable - 52-30.

Caldow, a former Australian international, said Australia were the better unit.

"They are a good side, they have got a lot of talent and depth in their ranks, particularly in their shooting end.

"At this point, if they stepped out tomorrow then I think I'd give the edge to the Australians. They are doing well."

If the Silver Ferns need extra motivation ahead of tonight's second test in Wellington, then that might just be it.

After a patchy performance in the opening test, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken will be wanting a much more consistent and free-flowing game from her charges.

"It is early in the season for us and although that is never put down as an excuse, that is the reality," Aitken said. "I am expecting their performance will be a more fluid one because we have had that bit more time together."

In the opening test the Silver Ferns struggled with their flow through court and their attacking players seemed to get tangled in the long wavering arms of the English defence.

"On attack we just have to have that confidence to let it go ... we have to look at some of those links coming out of our defensive end," Aitken said.

"On defence, I felt we put really good pressure on, but we didn't come up with a lot of ball. One of our strengths is that ability to contest the ball in flight, so that is what I would like to see."

The performance of goal attack Jodi Te Huna will also be examined.

The Silver Fern selectors may have to rethink their shooting options leading up to the Commonwealth Games if Te Huna produces another erratic performance.

In yesterday's training session, Joline Henry played at goal attack, possibly a back-up option should Te Huna fail to fire.

"If you look over her history she [Te Huna] has had far more good games than not so good," Aitken said. "My feeling is that she has had the taste playing against the English defenders and she will make those adjustments, and she'll be really determined to nail it."

It has been Aitken's plan to use all 12 of her players through the series, but whether newcomers Casey Williams and Maria Tutaia make their debut tonight will depend on how well the more traditional line-ups perform.

England will also be seeking an improvement throughout the court. Caldow says her side have been focusing on their flow through court and ensuring they net whatever opportunities go their way.

Second test

* Wellington Events Centre tonight

* Live on TV1, 7.45pm

* New Zealand:
Irene van Dyk, Jodi Te Huna, Maria Tutaia, Adine Wilson, Temepara George, Laura Langman, Victoria Edward, Joline Henry, Anna Scarlett, Vilimaina Davu, Sheryl Scanlan, Casey Williams.

* England:
Ama Agbeze, Karen Greig, Tamsin Greenway, Rachel Dunn, Clare Elsley, Karen Aspinall, Chioma Ezeogu, Olivia Murphy, Ruth Cockerill, Naomi Siddell, Beccy Douglas, Geva Mentor, Sonia Mkloma.