Netball: Ferns coach looks for ways to spike the Aussies’ big guns

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken says her side will be working on ways to counteract Australia's potent shooting line-up ahead of the one-off test in Sydney on June 29.

The Silver Ferns fly today to Melbourne, where they will face the Melbourne Kestrels and Melbourne Central before travelling to Sydney on Sunday. Their final warm-up game is against the Hunter Jaegars on Monday.

The Silver Ferns squad were named last month but the Australian team were not announced until Sunday.

Their selection marks the return of shooters Sharelle McMahon and Eloise Southby-Halbish and the dropping of experienced shooter Cynna Neele and midcourter Jessica Shynn.

Despite the axing of Neele, it is the shooting third where Australia's strength lies, with McMahon, Southby-Halbish, Catherine Cox and Megan Anderson all jostling for court time. Aitken believes Cox and McMahon are probably "internationally the stronger option" but Australian coach Norma Plummer has plenty of options to consider.

Without Sheryl Scanlan, the Silver Ferns' defensive unit does not have the experience it has had in the past.

But with the intimidating Vilimaina Davu, the in-form Magic duo Casey Williams and Joline Henry, and Otago's tireless Anna Scarlett, Aitken has few concerns in that department.

"I think this is the ideal time for them to get out there and mix it with Australia. As coach you are never worried about things, you just take it all as an opportunity."

New Zealand should have an edge in mid-court. With the exception of Laura Langman, the trio of Adine Wilson, Temepara George and Lesley Rumball are vastly more experienced than rivals Natalie Avellino, Natasha Chokljat, Natalie von Bertouch and new cap Sarah Barrett.

Aitken was cautious, though: "I think the Aussies have shown real tenacity in times gone by.

"And being a strong side on paper doesn't mean a thing when you get out there on court."

The Australian defence will centre around captain Liz Ellis. If they are looking for height, they could use 1.88m Demelza Fellowes.

Following their world championship win, New Zealand beat Australia 3-0 in a home test series last June but lost the return series 2-1.

Aitken said preparing for a one-off test as opposed to a test series is a new experience.

"For us it is making sure that we are in the right mental frame of mind by the time we come to the match."

* Silver Ferns v Australia: One-off test.
Sydney Superdome, June 29, live on TV One from 9.30pm.