Netball!
OPINION: It’s unlikely Dame Noeline Taurua didn’t already know what she witnessed from the Silver Ferns in their series against Aotearoa Men.
However, she may have been hoping for some pleasant surprises which never materialised in a 2-1 series victory which finished on a low note in a defeat in Wellington on Tuesday
night.
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A late charge gave the final scoreline more respectability than the New Zealand performance deserved against an invitation team which was well
Goal shoot Maia Wilson had another troublesome night, admittedly up against a formidable defensive presence in Victor Godsmark-White, shooting 20/27 on Tuesday. It capped an uncertain shooting season for Wilson, who struggled at times in the Premiership and netted at a measly rate of 69 per cent in the just-completed series.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit was a peripheral figure but Tiana Metuarau and Grace Nweke continued their growth and are set for lengthy international careers – yet it’s difficult to see that young duo as a Games-winning combination just yet.
So plenty may hinge on the possible return of former captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, currently expecting her second child.
The NZ midcourt, missing Sam Winders for all three games with a lower back strain, looks competent but may need to find a spark to overcome hosts England and Australia in next year’s major tournament.