World 7 53
New Zealand 44
They were supposed to be here to provide the Silver Ferns with a few competitive hit-outs before next month's Australian series.
But the World Seven have proved a little too competitive for the New Zealand side, romping to a series win last night with victory in the second test in
Rotorua.
The result, which saw the world side claim the Taini Jamison trophy, will be setting off alarm bells in the Kiwi camp, with the series in Australia just 10 days away.
Given it took World Seven coach Julie Fitzgerald less than a week to plot the downfall of the Ferns, it does not inspire a great deal of confidence heading into the five-test series.
It was another error-ridden performance from New Zealand, who again struggled to find their timing and rhythm. Dropped passes, silly penalties and miscommunication on attack featured all too prominently. The home side's untidy performance contrasted starkly with the safe and steady style of the world team, who made the most of their limitless opportunities early on to lead 15-7 at the first break.
The scoreline threatened to blow out further at various stages of the match, but each time the Ferns managed to rally and pull the deficit back to single figures on the back of some brilliant defensive work from skipper Casey Williams and Joline Henry.
Were it not for the pair the scoreline could have been much greater.
The defence down the other end of the court was equally impressive, with the English pairing of Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma never allowing the shooters to get comfortable.
The brilliant duo restricted Irene van Dyk to just 11 shots at goal in the first half, with the Kiwi sharpshooter converting just eight of those.
The Silver Ferns had a nightmare start as the midcourt struggled to penetrate in to the attacking third. The two Aussie battlers in the midcourt, Natasha Chokljat and Peta Scholz made life tough for the home side, virtually taking Temepara George and Liana Barrett-Chase out of the game.
The New Zealand defence worked overtime to try to close down the world attack, coming up with some good ball, but each time it found its way back in to opposition hands.
Down 15-7 at the first break, Ferns' coach Ruth Aitken had no choice but to make wholesale changes. Larrissa Willcox came on at wing defence for her first cap, pushing Laura Langman and George up one.
Maria Tutaia was also introduced at quarter time, after a quiet first quarter from debutant Anna Thompson.
The scoreline blew out to 11 goals early on in the second period. Just when the game was getting out of New Zealand's control Williams sparked a mini-resurgence, spoiling four consecutive world possessions to reduce the deficit to seven at halftime.
But it was clear the Kiwis needed to produce much more if they were going to save the series.
