KEY POINTS:
A war of words between the New Zealand and Australian camps in the lead-up to tomorrow's transtasman showdown has added further spice to what is expected to be a fiery end to the international season.
Much of the talk ahead of tomorrow's second and final test in Brisbane
has centred around the treatment New Zealand shooter Irene van Dyk copped from the Australian defenders in the Ferns' 46-41 opening test win.
The usually diplomatic Ruth Aitken fired the opening salvo earlier this week when she called for the umpires to clamp down on what she described as "cheap shots" by Australian defenders Bianca Chatfield and Mo'onia Gerrard on van Dyk.
"I'd like to think the umpires examine it a bit more, whether it's a genuine attempt to go for the ball or just knock her over," she said.
Aitken's case was inadvertently backed up by remarks made by former Aussie captain and now media personality Liz Ellis in the television coverage of the match.
"It was interesting listening to Liz Ellis' comments on television, she said 'against Irene you've got to rough her up a bit to start with, so that you unsettle her', and it was pretty obvious that was the approach," Aitken said.
But Australian coach Norma Plummer hit back yesterday, claiming van Dyk gets as much as she gives.
"I think Ruth must be looking through rose-coloured glasses if she hasn't seen what Irene does to the defenders as well. She's not backward about coming forward at any time," said Plummer. "I think Irene can look after herself - she's a big girl and she's been around a long time so she knows the score."
For most observers, the legitimacy of Aitken's claims will depend on which side of the Tasman your allegiances lie. But there is no doubting the verbal stoush will be used by both camps as added motivation for what is already a hugely important game.
The Silver Ferns will find out today whether they have a chance of snaring the top spot in the world netball rankings in their final match of the year.
New Zealand could dethrone the Diamonds, but with the new system being rather complicated, both camps are unsure about the impact tomorrow's test will have on the overall standings.
The rankings system was developed for IFNA by David Kendix and modelled on the international cricket rankings, which the Englishman also invented.
The next list isn't due to be released until early next year, but having been inundated with media queries, Netball New Zealand have made a formal request to IFNA to find out exactly how much rests on the Brisbane match. They expect a response today.
While it is still to be determined whether the No 1 spot is on the line in Brisbane, bragging rights certainly will be. After tomorrow, the two sides won't meet again until late next year and the loser will face a very long wait for a shot at revenge.
With Australia still reeling after letting an eight-goal lead slip in the opening test, and New Zealand eager to finish the year on a high, Ferns coach Ruth Aitken expects an extremely tight tussle tomorrow. "I think it'll be one of those right royal battles - I don't know if either team will get the upper hand for a while," said Aitken.
Australia v Silver Ferns:
* Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
* Tomorrow 5.10pm - Live TV2.
