Netball: George looking to stay healthy

Temepara George. Photo / Getty Images

Midcourt dynamo Temepara George will look to stay healthy as the Silver Ferns head into the final stretch of their preparations for the world netball championship.

The 12-strong New Zealand squad travelled from Auckland to Singapore today to acclimatise before their opening pool match against Fiji next Monday.

Apart from the obvious goal of winning the title, George said a personal target was to keep out of the sick bay.

"At the Commonwealth Games, I had that ear infection," she said.

"I want to stay healthy right throughout and make sure that I'm a viable option. I want to get out on court and play."

In New Delhi last October, George was part of the Silver Ferns' dramatic double-overtime victory over Australia in the Commonwealth final, and then provided one of the enduring images of the medal ceremony when she gave Prince Edward an impromptu hug.

But she had a difficult start to the campaign, sitting out the first two matches because of an inner ear infection that affected her balance and made her feel dizzy.

The vice-captain, George is part of an experienced core in the New Zealand squad, her 83 caps second only to shooter Irene van Dyk's 120 for New Zealand (and 72 for South Africa).

She made her test debut 11 years ago and is one of four survivors from the 2003 world title-winning side, along with van Dyk, and defenders Anna Scarlett and Leanna de Bruin.

She missed the last tournament, in Auckland in 2007 when New Zealand relinquished their crown in finishing runners-up to Australia, having decided to take time out from the sport.

Despite that absence, the 35-year-old George didn't expect too many surprises when she returned to the world stage.

"In terms of the whole outlay of the tournament, I know what to expect," he said.

"There's obviously different players in the different teams, and that's probably the main unknown. However, we've got a different bunch of girls from 2003, so it's going to be exciting."

One of the Silver Ferns' mantras for Singapore is G2, or winning a second successive gold medal after their success in New Delhi.

The players are also under no illusions about public expectations, with speakers at their official farewell at Unitech marae in Auckland last week making repeated references to bringing home the title.

"It's interesting because I think the biggest pressure is what we put on ourselves," George said.

"We started the goal about two years ago that we wanted two golds.

"We've got the first half and we know it's achievable to get the second half. It's just about working hard and making sure we do the little things well."

The Silver Ferns' other pool opponents in the 16-team tournament are Wales and Trinidad and Tobago, with the top two from each pool going through to the quarterfinals.

- NZPA