Leota says her main goal of the recent England series was to learn to enjoy netball again, after what has been a difficult 2011. Last year she was on cloud nine as she enjoyed a superb season for the Southern Steel, capped off by being judged ANZ Championship MVP. Then there was the Commonwealth Games in Delhi where Leota played a key role off the bench in the Silver Ferns' dramatic victory deep in added time.
This year has been more of an annus horribilus. The Steel won just four games and endured the messy departure of longtime coach Robyn Broughton. Leota struggled for form in the international arena and was not used in the semifinal or final at the world championships.
"That was quite hard," admits Leota. "You want to do all you can to help the team and I was constantly thinking 'Will I get on, am I going to play"'.
"It was difficult for her but Temepara [George] was simply playing better," says Taumaunu. "It was all about management of the attacking end and it didn't help that Liana had injury problems earlier in the year."
In Singapore it also seemed that Ruth Aitken and Taumaunu had lost some confidence in Leota; she had been a little inconsistent in the pool matches and they seemed reluctant to risk her in the final. Unfortunately the Ferns paid a big price. George was tiring in the final quarter and was dominated by her opposite Mo'onia Gerrard in added time. This forced Maria Tutaia to do more work outside the circle and sapped her energy, making it harder to compose herself at shooting time.
"The Aussies like to let Maria have the first pass," says Leota. "Then they try and make her get every second and third and then she has to shoot. We expect that from them and we need to take some pressure off her to get that confidence down on the attacking end."
At just 1.68m, Leota won't look anyone on court in the eye but more than makes up for that with a prodigious vertical leap and outstanding athletic ability.
She brings the flair to the Ferns, able to make moves and passes that no one else can.
"For me it is about finding that happy medium," says Leota. "Knowing when to go for the 'wow' pass and knowing when to pass and catch and work to the circle edge. In test matches I have to limit the wow factor."
She prides herself on being able to get inside opponents' minds, aiming to be cheeky and play catch me: "I like to get their heads turning; play off them and behind them. A little argy-bargy now and then, not too much just what you can get away with."
Leota heads to Europe in November, with rugby-playing husband Johnny (Samoa, Manawatu) signed to play for Sale Sharks in the English Premiership. The contract is for two years with the option of returning home after one.
Leota is considering an offer to play in the British Superleague, and says discussions are ongoing over a possible return to play for the Ferns during the international window next year. She looks forward to being a "lady of leisure" for the first few months in England but hopes to eventually get involved in coaching clinics.
Meanwhile, Taumaunu knows the impending series will be the toughest possible initiation for a new coach. In front of packed stadiums, the Diamonds will be determined to prove they deserve their status as world champions.
"Lisa Alexander is a highly regarded coach and is quite innovative," says Taumaunu. "We have already seen a midcourt zone defence against England - which is new for the Diamonds."
Natalie von Bertouch is a big loss for Australia but Taumaunu says replacement Madison Browne is a "great mover with huge potential" and the Australians lose very little in that area. The first test is on Sunday in Perth followed by the second clash in Adelaide on October 26. The final test is in Melbourne on October 30.
