Netball: Midcourt clash holds no worries for Aussie coach

Australian coach Norma Plummer believes she has enough options in the midcourt to nullify Silver Ferns dynamic duo Temepara George and Adine Wilson.

Following the retirement of veterans Rebecca Sanders and Nicole Richardson after the last world championships Australia have struggled to cement a midcourt combination to match New Zealand's. But the progress of the von Bertouch sisters, Laura and Natalie, with the powerful Selina Gilsenan and the recall of Natasha Chokljat means they have plenty of options at least.

"I think Natalie [von Bertouch] has got really strong," Plummer said. "Her combination with Laura is one that has played together for years.

"Chokljat adds another dimension. She can run and run, we are rapt we have someone that isn't going to fade out and Gilsenan has all the power and strength and can run at centre."

When asked if she felt Australia could now match New Zealand in the midcourt Plummer replied: "We are not fazed about that."

The Australian team arrived in Wellington yesterday with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) team who they will play in warm-up matches with the New Zealand A team.

The Silver Ferns went into camp on Friday night. They played New Zealand A yesterday and will square off against the AIS team today.

Aside from midcourter Jessica Shynn, who is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, the Australian side is fully fit.

"Here I am for the first time with no injuries and no dramas. I have only had to wait two years to get it," Plummer said.

"We have had six ankle injuries and four knees, it has been a drama. We are finally getting continuity which is something we haven't had the luxury of."

Plummer doesn't believe the recent pay dispute between the Players Association and Netball Australia -which saw her first training camp cancelled - has caused too much disruption. Her players were happy and content. When asked if that could work in their favour, she snapped "we are not coming over for the joy of it".

Aside from Chokljat the only other change to the Australian side that played New Zealand in July is the inclusion of defender Julie Prendergast who comes in at the expense of Susan Fuhrmann, who still has foot problems.

Plummer said Prendergast, who plays both goal defence and goal keep, was the best athlete at the Australian under-21 championships.

"She is by far our most outstanding athlete in fitness testing. She will match [Maria] Tutaia in height and ability."

But the Australians still lack someone to match the height of Irene van Dyk.

"Apart from you guys there are few other teams that can line up with her that have got that height. That's the luxury you have."

When asked about the Silver Ferns' shooting lineup, which includes the recalled Tania Dalton to replace a pregnant Belinda Colling, Plummer said she had not seen Dalton at goal attack to comment.

"I can't say whether Dalton can hold it down there. I have only ever seen her at shooter for the Sting. I think [Maria] Tutaia is a very skilled athlete."

As to how the Australian defenders would contend with Tutaia's ability to shoot from anywhere in the circle, Plummer said: "She has to get in first, doesn't she."

She had read about the criticism of Ferns defender Anna Scarlett during the national championships. Scarlett's defensive style copped a blast from several players including her Ferns teammate van Dyk.

"Doesn't sound like the teammates were teammates, which was interesting," Plummer said.

NZ v Australia

* Thursday: Wellington, 8.30pm
* Saturday: Auckland, 7.30pm
* Monday: Christchurch, 7.30pm