The Silver Ferns opened their World Cup campaign with a 73-28 win over Barbados last night. Dana Johannsen and Radio Sport's Rikki Swannell answer the key questions from the game.
1. Another convincing win to the Silver Ferns, what can we actually read into that performance?
DJ: Not a greatdeal. Last night's match didn't reveal anything we didn't already know about the New Zealand outfit. There were no surprises in the lines coach Waimarama Taumaunu ran, with all the combinations having been trialled during last month's warm-up tests against Fiji and South Africa. The big question mark over this side - how they will respond to pressure - still remains. We won't know the answer to that until the meet Australia tomorrow.
RS: To be honest, not a lot. It doesn't feel like I know anything more about this team than I didn't already. Yet there's still a lot I don't know. They all got out there, all got through it, did some good things, did some not so good things and now move on to the next one. Almost exactly like the series' against Fiji and South Africa.
2. I know the numbers don't tell the whole story, but 76% shooting accuracy is pretty concerning right?
DJ: Yes, it is. Taumaunu recognises her side aren't going to be as accurate as the likes of Australia and Jamaica, who have big tall targets at the back that regularly shoot in the 90s. She is prepared to sacrifice accuracy for volume, particularly when the likes of Bailey Mes and Malia Paseka are so strong on the rebound. But collectively they still need to be shooting in the 80s to have a fighting chance against the top sides. The fact that NZ failed to do so against Barbados, who did not exert strong defensive pressure, is a major concern.
RS: Right. It will be the most scrutinised stat for NZ over the next 10 days and 76 isn't a very good number. Australia and NZ both scored 73 goals in their opening matches, but Australia did it from 84 attempts while NZ took 96 shots at goal. I guess that at least shows the Ferns are picking up a lot of ball and creating opportunities.
3. So what, if anything, do the Ferns need to tick off today before they take on Australia tomorrow?
DJ: The list of objectives will be much the same as yesterday's game. They'll just be looking to continue to build confidence in their different lines, and share the workload around a bit to keep players fresh for tomorrow's big game. Who knows, perhaps we even might see Laura Langman have a spell on the bench? Although you get the feeling even if it's just for a quarter it'll be the worst 15 minutes of her life.
RS: More precise with some of the passing, better shooting stats, maintain intensity and be ruthless. Sometimes games like these can go a bit flat, the crowd doesn't really get into and can lack a bit of vim and vigour, so it's up to NZ to set the tone and bring enthusiasm. Trinidad and Tobago might be slightly tougher and more rugged than Barbados, so that will serve them well.
