Netball: Jamaican coach says Ferns should be worried

Temepara George looks to pass during game one. Photo / Getty Images

After a rusty opening performance against Jamaica, the Silver Ferns are eager to send a strong statement to their Commonwealth Games rivals, who remain unconvinced over New Zealand's gold medal credentials.

The Kiwi side wrap up their series against Jamaica in tonight's second test in Napier.

Jamaican coach Connie Francis claimed the Silver Ferns should be worried after their opening test on Wednesday.

It seems an odd thing to say when you are on the wrong end of a 23-goal scoreline, but with up to four frontline players still to return to the Jamaican line-up in time for the Games, Francis is confident it will make all the difference.

She believes the Ferns' error-ridden performance on Wednesday night highlighted their vulnerabilities and the legendary shooter senses a real opportunity for her side in Dehli.

The Ferns themselves were disappointed with their efforts in Christchurch as they failed to produce the slick and controlled display they were after.

But while they weren't jumping for joy at their opening win over the Jamaicans, Ferns defender Joline Henry says they are not panicking either.

"They lost by 23 goals and we're the ones that should be worried? That seems a bit of a contradiction to me," Henry said.

"I'm not worried at all, I can be confident when I look to my left and look to my right that we have the quality and skill in the team to win that gold medal in Dehli."

The New Zealanders struggled for consistency in Christchurch, the transition between defence and attack shaky early on, with the links from the midcourt into the circle also haphazard at times.

The match was the Ferns' first real test as they build towards the defence of their Commonwealth Games title in October.

"Physically we are going beyond what we've ever done before so we're coming in to these test matches having worked a lot harder and are not as well rested as we normally would be. So we know to expect some ups and downs and that's going to test the character of the team," said Henry.

One player who will be looking to prove her resilience is Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia, who had one of her more forgettable games on Wednesday night.

Tutaia said her confidence took a dive after a poor first quarter, which was marred by a number of miscommunications on attack as she struggled to adjust to the physical Jamaican defence.

"I definitely underestimated their reach - the Jamaicans are all arms and legs and they're very mobile and athletic and they play that typical Caribbean style of play. I will admit I didn't adjust to that style as well as I should have."

Silver Ferns v Jamaica
* Pettigrew Green Arena Napier
* 7.30 tonight, live TV One