Netball: We can beat the world, but it will be tough, says Aitken

Ruth Aitken

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken believes she has the players to defend New Zealand's world crown next year, but she knows it won't be easy.

New Zealand were beaten by Australia 46-40 in the final test in Christchurch, losing the series 2-1, their first series loss in New Zealand since 2001.

Little separated the sides, but Australia now have the measure of New Zealand's top lineup nine months before the world championships.

Of concern is that the Australian lineup is relatively new and coach Norma Plummer reckons they are 30 to 40 per cent away from top form.

Aside from Maria Tutaia, the New Zealand side is well established. The question now is whether Aitken and her assistant, Leigh Gibbs, can squeeze more out of them or whether changes are needed. If so, who?

Aitken maintains her side are still growing. The world championship squad have plenty of variety and will ensure competition for places in the final team, to be selected in February.

A year ago, the Silver Ferns were 25 goals better than the Australians.

Aitken said Australia's improvement wasn't entirely surprising because of the depth of talent they had.

"They have made improvements like we expected them to. We have improved in some areas but we need to be more consistent.

"Our conditioning needed further emphasis - it was an incredibly hard five days.

"I think we do need to ensure that when we change our game plan, we can switch straight into it."

One positive was the development of Tutaia, who showed composure beyond her years.

With former Fern Jodi Te Huna now fully fit after knee surgery, and promising Auckland teenager Paula Griffin a member of the world championship squad, New Zealand's shooting cupboard looks a lot healthier than it has done in recent times.

But a series loss always reveals more negatives than positives.

Of concern is the Australian defensive trio of Liz Ellis, Mo'onia Gerrard and Selina Gilsenan, who proved difficult to infiltrate.

On attack, Australian hotshot Sharelle McMahon, who was named player of the series, has formed a slick combination with Susan Pratley with which, on occasion, the New Zealand defence struggled.

In the midcourt, sisters Natalie and Laura von Bertouch showed they are on a par with the Silver Ferns' more experienced combination of Adine Wilson and Temepara George.

Silver Ferns captain Wilson said the loss would be a good motivator.

"You do train harder when you come off a loss, you do look at all the little bits and pieces."

Plummer said the win had spinoffs.

"I think the team have evolved, they are quality players. For us to get over the Ferns who have been the benchmark since 2003 is a great boost.

"But if we sit back on our laurels and think they are not going to reassess, we'd be kidding ourselves."


POSITIVES

* Nothing like losing to motivate a side

* The form of Maria Tutaia

* Imminent return of Jodi Te Huna


NEGATIVES

* Inability to crack Australia's defence

* Midcourt undone by Natalie and Laura von Bertouch

* Blunted performance on defence