KEY POINTS:
Australian defender Mo'onia Gerrard is well aware the Silver Ferns will be out to prove a point when the two sides meet in this week's transtasman tests.
But is she worried? No.
The Ferns campaign for redemption begins tomorrow when they take on the Australia in Christchurch in
the first of two tests on New Zealand soil.
With the new IFNA world rankings system in effect, New Zealand is keen to set about jostling Australia from their number one perch and put the heartbreak of last year's World Championship loss behind them.
From New Zealand's point of view there are also scores to be settled from this year's ANZ Championship, in which the Kiwi sides struggled to make an impact.
Gerrard admits the Ferns' motivation to perform in this series will be huge, but said as world champions Australia have to expect to have a target on their backs.
"Of course they'll have a point to prove, I wouldn't say we're worried, but I know that they'll go out there with everything they've got," the Adelaide Thunderbirds star said.
Gerrard, who made a name for herself as a tough and uncompromising goal-defence, may find herself playing a different role in this week's internationals.
The Australians are without a specialist wing defence in their line-up following the retirement of Selina Gilsenan. That spot is likely to go to Gerrard, who has proved during the ANZ Championship to be just as adept at hassling midcourters as she is shooters.
Though the 27-year-old has never played in the wing-defence bib against New Zealand, she believes her experience there in the leageue gives her a solid grounding.
Likewise Gerrard said making the step up to international level won't be a stretch for the five new caps in the Australian side, particularly given they have all faced the bulk of the Silver Ferns front line when they've played Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic.
"The Silver Ferns team is pretty much the Magic plus two extras so everyone knows what to expect," she said.
While confidence isn't an issue in the Australian camp - nor is it ever likely to be - belief is also strong among the Silver Ferns team, despite their unflattering recent record against the Aussies.
New Zealand have won just three of their past 10 meetings with Australia dating back to July 2006.
Though the Ferns are missing some key talent in their attack end with Adine Wilson and Jodi Brown both taking time out for motherhood, coach Ruth Aitken believes she has the talent in her squad to challenge Australia's dominance.
"We know that history has not been kind to us, but this is a new group and we're about the now and the future," said Aitken.
"Even though Australia has had the edge, there's never been a lot between us and all of the players at some point in time in the ANZ Championship have performed well against the Australians.
"The challenge is the consistency and that is an area we need to get better at."
