KEY POINTS:
New Zealand 68
Jamaica 46
After being served a "kick in the bum" in England, a kick in the achilles is but a mere distraction for Adine Wilson.
The Silver Fern spent yesterday in the pool and on the massage table, nursing a black and blue leg, the result
of an accidental kick from a Sunshine Girl on Saturday night.
Wilson played on until midway through the final quarter, only leaving the court when she felt the Silver Ferns had a stranglehold on the world No 3 Jamaicans.
The series victory over the Jamaicans was not only about the Ferns getting back on top of their game four months out from defending their world title. For Wilson, it was a chance to show a new attitude after the shake-up of the dismal English tour two months ago.
"As captain there's that weight on your shoulders of extra responsibility, to play well and set a good example. My game just wasn't up to standard in England," she said.
"I was looking too far ahead, worrying too much about other games we hadn't played. You've got to think one at a time. And that sparked my desire and my passion all over again."
Criticised for predictable feeding in England, Wilson played some of her best international netball in the two Jamaican tests, taking charge of the fresh midcourt and clicking instantly with new centre Laura Langman.
Coming up against the natural intuition of Australia's midcourt sisters Laura and Natalie von Bertouch in the three-test series starting in Auckland on Wednesday, the Silver Ferns need a strong understanding through the middle of the court. Wilson believes they now have that.
"You need time on court together to get that flow and that feeling, knowing which way someone cuts and passes ... It's come like a switch turning on. It feels good."
Fortunately for the Ferns, the Jamaicans flicked the right switch in Saturday's test to play more like the Calypso legends, with their beautiful one-handed lobs to a more confident goal shoot Romelda Aiken.
The New Zealanders appreciated the more physical, more determined opposition.
"Jamaica did a good job of breaking down our flow," Wilson said. "The Aussies will be doing more of that, trying to slow the ball down and create more space. We will have to be smarter rather than just faster."
While the Ferns were allowed to play some spectacular netball against the Jamaicans, there were some loose facets of play - like a few wayward centre passes - that the sharp Australians will pounce on.
Jamaican captain Elaine Davis wouldn't be drawn on who would win the transtasman clashes, but she pointed out the Ferns' quick movement of the ball was sometimes too fast for their receivers.
Ferns coach Ruth Aitken took the chance to play her full squad of 12, giving mid-courter Maree Bowden and shooter Paula Griffin their first brief taste of test netball.
"It's pretty hard in two matches to meet all our objectives," Aitken said. "But we've certainly shown we have great combinations available and we're able to change personnel out there without upsetting the rhythm."
