Netball: Mates harden Tutaia for Aussie battle

Maria Tuitaia

Maria Tutaia's Silver Fern teammates have been given the responsibility of ensuring she is primed for the bruising Australian defence in the opening test in Wellington.

Following the withdrawal of Belinda Colling, Tutaia is expected to start at goal attack alongside shooter Irene van Dyk in Thursday's test.

It is a big ask for a 19-year-old who made her debut for New Zealand against Jamaica only late last year.

Tutaia started at goal attack against Australia in the first test in July where she performed well. However in the second test she struggled against the Aussie defenders who were successful in putting her off her shot and they will be looking to use that tactic again.

However Silver Ferns assistant coach Leigh Gibbs said they had created a similar environment in training sessions to ensure Tutaia is battle hardened.

Gibbs said: "She is exposed as much as possible to the rigours of test netball."

Tutaia, who is still getting over a bout of the flu, had come into the training camp with a "real quiet resolve", she said.

"It is going to be a big challenge for her getting back on court against Australia. But it is not just about one player. If we are to be successful it is about everyone playing a part. When one player is under pressure the others have to read it and take on a bit more responsibility. That is one of the things we didn't do so well in that last test."

If Tutaia does start at goal attack it is likely she will be up against the destructive Mo'onia Gerrard, sister of Wallaby Mark Gerrard.

"Having [Selina] Gilsenan at wing defence and Mo'onia Gerrard at goal defence works for them. It is whether they stick with that or have Mo'onia at wing defence," Gibbs said.

It is likely that both teams will start with the same lineups that worked for them in the tests they won in July.

New Zealand won the first test 52-40 and Australia the second 48-38.

For Australia that means Sharelle McMahon and Susan Pratley in the shooting circle, the von Bertouch sisters (Laura and Natalie) at wing attack and centre and Gilsenan, Gerrard and captain Liz Ellis on defence.

However there has been plenty of talk about new defender Julie Prendergast, who could start at goal defence pushing Gerrard into wing defence and Gilsenan into centre.

"Their second test lineup was successful," Gibbs said.

"It was new in that their midcourt was new, but we'd anticipate that would perhaps be their starting lineup.

"They will be like us, this is an important series but the world championships are the bigger picture."

The goal defence position is also one of interest in the New Zealand camp and they could start with Leana de Bruin, who did such a good job for them in the first test, or unleash Anna Scarett.

The Silver Ferns went into camp in Wellington on Friday night and have since had hit outs against the New Zealand A team on Sunday and the Australian Institute of Sport team yesterday. Aside from a few niggles there was nothing of concern, Gibbs said.