Commentator’s Call with Jenny Woods

SKY Sport NZ commentator Jenny Woods casts her eye over the blockbuster doubleheader to open the Netball Quad Series at Vector Arena….

Some new coaches, some new captains – all change on the Netball front as countries begin a new cycle leading into the  2018 Commonwealth Games.

Heralding that new start is SANZEA’s inaugural Netball Quad Series featuring Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa.

It’s a daunting start for the SPAR Proteas who take on the Diamonds in the first game of a double-header at Vector Arena on Saturday.  Few, if any will be picking anything but a win for Australia, but Norma Plummer’s side is building.  They come to Auckland with a new captain in long-time midcourter Bongi Msomi.  She’s taken over after resident skipper Maryka Holtzhausen ruptured her ACL just weeks ago.

The South Africans have the core of their World Cup squad from last year, plus some newbies including the 1.93 shooter Sigi Burger who’s both the tallest and youngest member of the team.

GET TICKETS: Netball Quad Series doubleheader at Vector Arena, Saturday 27 August

Laura Geitz may not be with the Australians for this series, but plenty of their stars are.  Clare McMeniman takes over the captaincy in a team drenched in experience  with the likes of Caitlin Bassett, Nat Medhurst and Sharni Layton.  Look out for Kristiana Manu’a and Steph Wood to make their international debuts.

The Silver Ferns v England Roses clash throws up quite a different prospect.

New coach and captain for the Silver Ferns in Janine Southby and Katrina Grant come up against a re-building England who also have a new captain in Ama Agbeze.  This game should be fascinating as both countries look to the future.

Bailey Mes suddenly becomes the “old hand” in the shooting circle for the Silver Ferns with Maria Tutaia out with injury and Constellation Cup hero Jodi Brown retired. But Te Paea Selby-Rickit and 18-year-old Maia Wilson are exciting options.

England have their hard core from the ANZ Championship – Jo Harten, Serena Guthrie, Geva Mentor and Jade Clarke – plus a number of up-and-comers.  There are plenty of players in this team who were in that incredible Commonwealth Games semi-final two years ago, when the Silver Ferns – just – got home by one goal.

This match on Saturday could be similar.  Expect a close one, particularly with the loss of experienced hand Anna Harrison with a calf injury.  Both coaches have the option of throwing in fresh talent or to go with the tried and true, and on balance Janine Southby should begin her Silver Ferns tenure with a win.

Can’t make it to Vector Arena? Fans can catch all the action LIVE on SKY Sport NZ 1 starting from 3pm (#AUSvRSA), followed by #NZLvENG from 5pm. Prime will also show delayed coverage of the Silver Ferns v England Roses match at 7pm.