Netball: Williams lined up for vital role

SYDNEY - Promising Silver Ferns defender Casey Williams looks destined to play a key role in tonight's decisive trans-Tasman netball test here.

Williams, 21, did not play in the Silver Ferns' 52-40 win in the first test in Brisbane on Saturday night, but New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken indicated afterwards she was likely to get court time in Sydney.

That was also anticipated by Australian coach Norma Plummer when asked yesterday whether she thought the Silver Ferns would make any changes for tonight's clash.

"They certainly have the options. I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams out there," Plummer replied.

"Out of all their defenders, she's the one I wouldn't mind in my team.

"I think she's a beautiful athlete. I watched her through the National Bank Cup and her anticipation is very good."

Plummer thought Williams might start in tandem with goalkeeper Vilimaina Davu.

Williams starred in New Zealand's Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning campaign in March, playing in the final against Australia despite injuring an ankle the night before in the semifinal against Jamaica.

It was not until she returned to New Zealand that X-rays showed that she had fractured a small bone in her ankle.

She told NZPA she was looking to develop her skills on this tour and should get her chance tonight.

Aside from the hint about Williams, Aitken has been playing mum about any other possible changes, but with the world championships in Fiji a year away, it would not be surprising to see a few changes made during the match.

The Silver Ferns are seeking to extend their current run of wins over their foes to five and there is an air of confidence they can do it.

However, a lapse in focus during the third quarter of the first test where Australia fought their way back into the game has given them a few things to work on.

Aitken said they included looking for more variety in feeding their shooters.

"Our defence sometimes didn't quite have the legs at times. When we looked at doing switches there was a little bit of loss of communication.

"We're just looking to tighten up all areas and finish off strongly," she told a press conference yesterday.

Plummer said her players had to expunge the "anxiousness" from their game.

"Some of the senior players have just got to settle down and play their game instead of being anxious."

"They are the ones that feel the pressure more than anybody else because they have been in winning teams and they don't want to let anybody down.

"That often takes over from just concentrating on what you should do and not thinking that you've got to go and do it all."

The Australians were embarrassed at the high level of support for New Zealand in Brisbane and sent out an SOS for more Australian fans to attend the test.

Despite previous reports the test was sold out, Netball Australia has sold 10,000 tickets for the match, well below the 17,000 Acer Arena capacity.

- NZPA