Liz Ellis has one piece of advice for the Silver Ferns in their bid to beat Australia on Sunday – be more Australian.
The revamped Ferns will take on the world champions in Melbourne, looking to snap a six-game losing streak against their trans-Tasman neighbours.
The Australian veteran has been impressed by what she’s seen from new coach Noeline Taurua, in particular the adjustments she’s made defensively.
"I think she has had a real good look at the Australian style of defence and believes its worthwhile exploring," Ellis told RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport.
"I don't know if the Ferns will implement this all the time - they may look to mix it up a bit with the zone defence which is something Australia does when needed. I think it is a great move by Noeline to have a couple options up her sleeve.
"They look a lot more Australian playing a one-on-one style of defence which can be hard to change things up and takes time for everyone to become comfortable."
Ellis says there's clearly a new found confidence within the squad under Taurua, who she believes has had a rejuvenating effect on a couple of players.
"Katrina Grant has had a new lease of life under Noeline. I really like what she has been doing so far and I really like what Jane Watson has brought to the defensive circle.
"I think they are playing with a confidence we haven't seen in four years. If you look back at the Commonwealth Games campaign there was no confidence in the squad and very little rapport between coach and players.
"Noeline Taurua is a player's coach – she was a player, she knows how to communicate effectively with her squad and she knows what it is like to compete at that level."
"Their demeanour is excellent and a complete turnaround from what we saw just a couple of months ago."
The performances of two of the Ferns lynchpins will dictate New Zealand's chances, says Ellis.
"If Maria Folau fires then the Ferns are in with a massive chance. I think if she can find that form she showed against South Africa, against Karla Pretorius, who is one of the best defenders in the world right now, so it's not like she had it easy.
"The Diamonds will also be very weary of Laura. She is one of the very best players in the world. But the test for her will be whether she has missed that level of intensity the last 12 months."
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