Commentator’s Call: is there a change coming….?

SKY Sport commentator Jenny Woods takes a look at Sunday’s Netball Quad Series decider and the potential changing face of international Netball.

 

The first zephyrs of change may be blowing through international Netball.

Sunday’s Quad Series double-header finale features four teams which so far, have had no more than seven goals between them.

Rewind 12 months, or even just six months, and some of those margins were as much as 30.

England’s 49-45 win over New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday night was one of the best performances from the Roses in a long time. Where in the past they’ve crumbled in the dying moments, they didn’t. The fact they had more than twice the international experience of the Silver Ferns was clearly evident.

GET TICKETS: Quad Series double-header in Invercargill, September 3

Straight after that game, South Africa gave the Diamonds the fright of their lives, in the end going down 58-52. It is 50 years since the Proteas got this close to the Australians. The influence of Norma Plummer and Nicole Cusack is clear, but also helping is the experience a number of their players are getting in the New Zealand, Australian and UK leagues.

So what a stage is set for Invercargill. Three teams still have a chance to win the series, with Australia in the box seat.

South African wins over England have been rare, but certainly not unheard of in recent years.  Both sides will go into this game with confidence, although England would have to be favoured courtesy of that win over New Zealand.

For the series’ finale, who knows? So much depends on which combinations Janine Southby and Lisa Alexander put on court. 

Clearly for New Zealand, Maria Tutaia won’t be there, but perhaps more critical to the Silver Ferns’ chances is the availability of Kelly Jury. The 20-year-old is just one centimetre shy of the towering Australian captain Caitlin Bassett. How many times has she been the difference between these two sides?

Another critical decision is whether to go with the Steel forward line of Francois, Crampton and Selby-Rickit. Newbie Whitney Souness was sensational at times against England, but the connection between her and Francois was at times dubious.

Both teams are being challenged at the defensive end of the court, with seasoned performers of the ilk of Geitz, Layton, Kopua, de Bruin and Harrison not there. This is the changing face of international Netball … embrace it!

Can’t make it to the game? Fans can catch all the action live on SKY Sport 3 from 2pm (England v South Africa), followed by the Silver Ferns v Australia at 4pm. Prime will show delayed coverage at 6pm.