Netball World Cup 2019: Silver Ferns eye redemption against England

The Ferns are building nicely heading into Sunday's match.
The Ferns are building nicely heading into Sunday's match. Photo credit: Image: Photosport

The Silver Ferns' World Cup hopes rest on a semi-final clash tonight with England - a team they haven't beaten for nearly two years.

And while England are also the Commonwealth champs and have home advantage, a former Ferns coach says the Kiwis have re-discovered their magic to become world champions once more.

Yvonne Willering knows all too well the hell of losing netball's biggest prize on home ground, going down to Australia in the World Cup Final in Christchurch in 1999.

But this time around, Willering believes that pressure is all on England.

"Their local crowd are expecting them to be in the final," Willering told Newshub.

To do that, the Roses must first beat the Ferns - a team that's peaking at the perfect time.

"They would have seen that game against Australia and I think they'll have renewed respect for where the Silver Ferns sit right now."

Australia and New Zealand have contested the final in the last five world championships, but the rivalry has arguably lost its mojo in recent years. But in order to get there again, there's one big English hurdle in the way.

"They're a very bulshey side and very confident and rightly so. So we've got to put our presence out there right from the start."

A win on Sunday (NZT) will not only get the Ferns a berth in the final but also a bit of redemption for last weekend's cricket final.

Newshub.