Netball: Silver Ferns still building as Australia loom in Quad Series

The Silver Ferns take on Australia in Melbourne on Sunday.
The Silver Ferns take on Australia in Melbourne on Sunday. Photo credit: Photosport

Expect Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua to further tinker with her squad during the final Quad Series test against Australia on Sunday.

New Zealand are still in the hunt for the title, but would need a hefty win over the Diamonds, and hope South Africa upset England earlier in the day.

Assistant coach Debbie Fuller told RadioLIVE that while they still hold out hope of scoring a first trophy for the new regime, Sunday's clash with the old foe is the final stage of a quickfire rebuilding campaign.

"The Quad Series was always just a starting point," Fuller told Saturday Sport with Brendan Telfer.

"This series has allowed Noeline to give everyone a run out and see where the players are at, and be tested playing international netball."

"We are building, so going into this next Australian game, there is a focus on being able to play our game style under the contesting style that Australia brings."

Debbie Fuller.
Debbie Fuller. Photo credit: Photosport
Brendon Telfer.
Brendon Telfer.

The Ferns bounced back from a record 13-goal defeat against England last Saturday, thrashing South Africa 61-37 on Tuesday night.

Fuller said the quick turnaround was a blessing, as it gave the squad a chance to rectify mistakes made against the Commonwealth champions.

"It allowed us to look at our game structures and style, and pull apart the things we did in the England game.

"That allowed us to execute against South Africa in Tauranga, but we are fairly realistic about the challenge of going up against Australia, so we just have to be thorough in content and delivery of what we are training."

Fuller said, despite the comfortable margin of victory against the Proteas, there was still work to be done.

The challenge Australia provide will put the Ferns under a whirlwind of pressure. That's ideal, according to Fuller, as the coaching staff continue to evaluate their squad.

"It's really important to not get too carried away, win or lose, in a series like this.

"What we know is that we are facing Australia in our next five tests, and it's about us being able to consolidate our combinations and get real clarity in how we want to play.

"We have to be able to grind out our processes and be in a position to score under any type of circumstances."

The Silver Ferns will have a solid indication of where they sit as an international force after their next five tests.

After Australia and New Zealand close out the Quad Series in Melbourne, the two meet in four games for the Constellation Cup - a trophy the Diamonds have held since 2013.

Fuller isn't promising a change in fortunes for New Zealand, but believes the players will be ready to challenge the Australasian domination of the reigning world champions.

Fuller told RadioLIVE that the squad had reacted superbly to the netball philosophy that Taurua had implemented.

"I applaud our girls," Fuller said. "They have worked really hard to adjust to a completely new structure and way to play the game that Noeline has brought.

"It's great to see that the intensity - the intent and the work ethic is there from everybody."

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