The Fourth and Final Test
SKY Sport commentator, Jenny Woods looks at the fourth and final Test of the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup in the latest Commentator’s Call…
How different can two games be, despite having the same margin?
Twelve goals was the difference in the first Constellation Cup Test 10 days ago , and in the third in Auckland on Saturday night, but they were starkly different encounters. The Silver Ferns were never in the Sydney Test, but even the Australians themselves never felt their lead at Vector Arena was comfortable.
Locked up at the first break, the Silver Ferns were down by just four at halftime. But a barrage of quick goals at the top of the third quarter saw the Diamonds suddenly gain a 10-goal advantage, which the Silver Ferns could never eat into.
Lisa Alexander put on her bench in the final quarter of that First Test in Sydney, but afforded herself no such luxury in Auckland. Captain Clare McMeniman shared her coach’s belief that New Zealand might bite back at any moment, observing the 12 goal margin flattered the Diamonds.
Nonetheless it was a thoroughly deserved win to the Australians, and barring some cataclysmic event, the Constellation Cup will be heading back across the Tasman for another 12 months in the clutches of Netball Australia.
So what to make of the Silver Ferns?
There are positives … Te Paea Selby-Rickit is one of them. Her composure in this Series has been remarkable. Bailey Mes deserves some kind of Industrial Strength Resilience Award for emerging after each game having been crashed, and bashed, by Sharni Layton. The Australian GK is in terrific form, defending her goal circle like a caged lion.
Another who had a torrid Second Test was Grace Rasmussen. MVP in Launceston, she was hassled and harried all the way by the MVP in Auckland – her opposite number Gabi Simpson. Gina Crampton looked promising for her short stint during the Auckland game, and could perhaps be given another crack in Invercargill.
The fourth quarter changes underlined how much New Zealand has missed Kayla Cullen in this Series. Janine Southby reverted to a defensive combination from the First Test that hadn’t worked. It’s a big ask for Anna Harrison at WD to thwart Madi Robinson, and just as bigger request for Jane Watson to shackle Bassett – 12cm taller than her.
Southby’s line up for Invercargill will be fascinating. How do you weave Mes, Selby-Rickit, Tutaia and Ekenasio into two positions? Tutaia returned 11 from 17 in her 31 minutes at Vector Arena, Selby-Rickit 17 from 22 from her 37 minutes on court. The circle combination between Mes and Tutaia, which was good at last year’s Netball World Cup, understandably needs a bit of time to restore. They’ll certainly have that time next year when Mes returns to Auckland to team up with her at the Mystics.
The Southern Steel contingent within the Ferns - Selby-Rickit, Crampton, Francois and Watson - will feel very comfortable on their home court at ILT Stadium . They’re renowned for having one of the best crowds in the country. The problem is, so too may the Diamonds, who haven’t lost in New Zealand for three years…
Can’t make it to the game? NZ-based SilverFans can catch all the action LIVE on SKY Sport 2 from 7.30pm and on DELAY on Prime from 11pm.