Netball: Silver Ferns put the case for the defence

Temepara George takes a pass, watched by Australia's Natalie von Bertouch. Phil Walter / Getty Images

New Zealand 43 Australia 37

The Silver Ferns decided that conceding defeat to a revitalised Australian outfit was not an option, racking up a much-needed win in the second test at Waitakere Stadium last night.

After being dealt the unenviable task of dislodging a winning Australian team that recorded a series-opening win in Wellington on Thursday, as well as a 10-goal victory in Sydney last July, the Silver Ferns dug deep.

Their victory sets up an exciting series decider in Christchurch tomorrow night.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken was ecstatic with the team's success, saying: "Our defence was quite stunning. We stopped chasing and started fighting back."

Concerns that the international balance of power had shifted across to the green and gold side of the Tasman were silenced after the Silver Ferns produced a performance of real heart.

Australian co-captain Sharelle McMahon said New Zealand were more physically dominant. "I think they were quite a bit more physical. They definitely brought the body back a bit."

And wing defence Selina Gisenan said: "I think it was a reversal of the last game."

In the lead-up to the match, the Silver Ferns may have been forgiven for shaking in their trainers - two consecutive defeats on home soil at the hands of Norma Plummer's posse would have been seen as an ominous sign that serious changes were needed to dislodge the revitalised Aussies as favourites for next year's world championships.

The Australians had the benefit of a psychological advantage heading into last night's second test, partly thanks to their famous win in Sydney in July, where the Silver Ferns were beaten by 10 goals.

But after a defensive effort that wavered in Wellington after the first-half subbing of the physically commanding Vilimaina Davu, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken opted for a no-risk approach this time by fielding a first-choice line-up throughout.

In the last test, Aitken fielded an experimental team in the second half and, immediately, the team looked out of sync and lacked the stifling defence required to shut down McMahon in the goal circle.

However, facing the prospect of a second consecutive test loss, Aitken saw virtue in playing to her strengths, and opted to keep her number one side on the court throughout.

The risk-free strategy gave the Silver Ferns the ability to get good ball through the midcourt and on to shooting dynamo Irene van Dyk and youngster Maria Tutaia.

Anna Scarlett and Davu again partnered up in the defensive circle, countering the attacking prowess of Catherine Cox and McMahon.

Veterans Tania Dalton and Julie Seymour were surplus to requirements, with Aitken electing to field Temepara George in the mid-court. Australian goal keep Liz Ellis anchored her team at the end of the court, making for another enticing tussle with Silver Fern stalwart, van Dyk. Scarlett did well to physically assert herself against Cox in the first quarter. As a result, Susan Pratley was bought in after Cox's dismal 50 per cent shooting record (five goals from 10 attempts) in the first quarter.

However, Pratley's second-quarter effort was not much better, shooting a meagre 54 per cent as she sank just six goals from 11 attempts.

A sickening clash with Australian centre Natalie von Bertouch in the second quarter saw Scarlett hit the deck and subbed by Northern Force defender, Leana de Bruin.

Questions remain about whether Scarlett will be available for the final match of the series in Christchurch tomorrow night.

Tutaia did much to rid herself of her first shot demons from the last test, sinking her first attempt at goal. She demonstrated her ability to run clean lines and sharply run on to the ball, freeing up van Dyk, by giving her ample space to put up the shots.

Wing defence Laura Langman exerted a significant amount of pressure on the Australian sister act of Laura and Natalie von Bertouch.

New Zealand's one goal deficit remained at the end of the second quarter (Australia 20, New Zealand 19), despite looking invariably more confident after an indifferent opening stanza.

The Silver Ferns seemed to hit their straps and pull together more in the second quarter, confident enough to move the ball quickly through the centre third utilising the speed and agility of centre Temepara George and wing-defence Laura Langman.

As the second quarter progressed, Tutaia's confidence escalated, as she happily put up her favoured long-range shots, while van Dyk stuck close to the baseline.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY