Netball: Tutaia injured in opener

The match between New Zealand and Fiji. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand 80
Fiji 25

A minor ankle injury to star shooter Maria Tutaia was the only blip in the Silver Ferns' otherwise straightforward opening win of the netball world championships in Singapore last night.

The Ferns kicked off their bid to win back-to-back golds at major tournaments with a comprehensive 55-goal triumph over the Fijians at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken achieved her objective of getting her full squad of 12 out on court, but one of those changes was not planned, with Tutaia limping from the court three minutes into the second period with an ankle injury.

She still had the ice-pack on her ankle after the match, but Ferns assistant coach Waimarama Taumaunu was confident the injury was not serious.

"She's fine - at this stage in the tournament you don't take any chances, so a slight twinge and she was off," she said. "We'll know more later, but [Tutaia] certainly felt she was okay to play on."

The Ferns will be hopeful of having Tutaia up and running for their second pool match against Wales today. Even if Tutaia's injury isn't serious, having their frontline goal attack sidelined for any length of time will be a setback to their campaign.

With five games over the next six days, having Tutaia out of action will put pressure on the rest of shooters.

But the New Zealand coaching staff will be heartened by the performances of back-up shooters Anna Thompson and Paula Griffin last night.

After a shaky introduction early in the second quarter, Thompson, who made her world championships debut last night, stepped up in the second half, shooting at 100 per cent over the final two quarters.

Griffin, who came on at halftime, also produced a confident display with her movement and clever interplay with the midcourters a highlight.

Also making their world tournament debut last night were defender Katrina Grant and midcourter Liana Leota, who both took the court following the halftime break.

In all, the Ferns tested three shooting pairings, two different midcourt lines, and two in-circle defensive combinations.

While Fiji never threatened on the scoreboard, their committed defence - led by captain Matilda Waqanidrola - ensured the New Zealand attack was given a thorough workout.

The Ferns led 20-8 at the first break, but Fiji closed to within eight of New Zealand five minutes into the second quarter following the introduction of Thompson, who made a shaky start on-goal, landing just four of her eight attempts for the period.

She warmed to her role though, shooting 10 from 10 in both the third and fourth quarters when she didn't have the safety net of Irene van Dyk rebounding her shots.

Fiji's goals dried up in the second half, with the Ferns defensive pairing of Grant and captain Casey Williams restricting the Pacific Islanders to just two goals in the third spell.

Grant said her side began to find their rhythm in the third period after a rusty opening half.

"I think we just got rid of a few cobwebs in the first half and then in the second we just came out and stamped our dominance and did the job that we came here to do," she said.