Netball: Recipe for NZ win not difficult, says Aitken

Ruth Aitken

New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken is very clear on what it will take for the Silver Ferns to beat Australia in tomorrow night's first netball test in Wellington.

Partly it will involve increased through-court defensive pressure on the fast-flowing Australian attack while there will also need to be intelligent use of possession on attack and quick, accurate option-taking.

But mainly, Aitken said, the Silver Ferns would need to dominate.

"That is what sport is all about -- it's the one who gets the upperhand and keeps it really. We certainly respect Australia and their ability to play well when we allow them," she told NZPA.

"We'll need to ensure that we're at the top of our game. We know we can't beat Australia unless we play to our potential, so we'd better sort that out."

Although New Zealand have won nine of the last 12 trans-Tasman tests, the last time the two teams met, three months ago in Melbourne, the Australians outplayed the Silver Ferns for a comprehensive 48-38 win.

They pounced on a stuttering start, exacerbated by an injury to key midcourter Temepara George and uncertain shooting first from Maria Tutaia and then Irene van Dyk, and always looked in complete control.

This three-test series is the last chance the two nations have to size each other up before the world championship in Fiji next year.

While Aitken is keen to make the most of it, an injury to defender Casey Williams has meant a late reorganisation to her playing squad.

Former Silver Ferns captain and mother of three Julie Seymour was yesterday called into the team after Williams hyper-extended her knee in training.

Seymour, 34, has represented New Zealand 75 times and captained the Silver Ferns when they won silver behind Australia at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Given that in-circle defenders Vilimaina Davu, Leana de Bruin, Joline Henry and Anna Scarlett were in such good form, Aitken said the decision was made to look at other position options to replace Williams.

"We really felt that Julie provided us with variety in the midcourt, and two days out from a test series against Australia, her wonderful experience is invaluable," she said.

Aitken described Seymour's work rate as second to none and her calmness on attack and persistence on defence "outstanding".

Australian coach Norma Plummer saw things differently, believing Seymour's selection reflected New Zealand concern about the speed of sisters Laura and Natalie von Bertouch and Selina Gilsenan, whose tenacity has earned her the nickname of "the rash".

"I think they are really worried about our midcourt and they've brought back another older player who was captain of the team and retired and had a couple of babies," Plummer told Australian Associated Press.

"I think they're very anxious to make sure they've got speed on speed, so that's pretty good for us that we know they are worried about it."

Despite being boosted by the win in Sydney, Australia's first over the Silver Ferns since November, 2004, Plummer stressed her team still had plenty of room for improvement.

She said it had been a "pretty rough" two years between victories, as Australia struggled with a lack of midcourt depth.

"But this group seems to have a karma about them, they all have a lot of respect for each other. It seems a better blend. Tactically, we're still lacking a little bit.

"They have to be able to get over what they would like to do, and instead do what is necessary."

Australian co-captains Liz Ellis is excited at the prospect of her team rising to the challenge presented by the Silver Ferns.

"Three games in five days is enormous -- consistency is going to be the key.

"That's what has let us down in the past. If you make mistakes, a team like New Zealand will always punish you," Ellis said.

- NZPA