Netball: Ferns get rark-up for sleepy defence

Silver Ferns assistant coach Wai Taumaunu wasn't happy with the defensive effort against Australia on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images

MELBOURNE - Despite a hard-fought first netball test victory, Silver Ferns assistant coach Wai Taumaunu has read the riot act to her players for their patchy defensive efforts.

And the former New Zealand captain insists an injury-hit Australia won't hand it away as easily at Hisense Arena tomorrow night as they did in Sydney, where the Ferns opened the five-test series with a 53-50 win.

Taumaunu demanded better as the Ferns arrived in Melbourne, chasing their first back-to-back victories in a series in Australia since 1981, ironically the imposing defender's debut year in New Zealand colours.

"Overall I would be looking for a better defensive effort on Wednesday. I don't think we disrupted the Australian play through the midcourt, we didn't disrupt their centre pass," Taumaunu said.

"We have to be more assertive in those areas if we're going to have a greater impact. We can't expect the Australian shooters to do what they did (in Sydney)."

Shooting accuracy was a key factor, with Australia hoisting six more shots than New Zealand but only hitting 76 per cent accuracy, while Irene van Dyk (37 from 40) and Maria Tutaia (16 from 20) managed an impressive 88 per cent between them.

Senior Australian shooter Catherine Cox was dragged by coach Norma Plummer at halftime after shooting 11 of 18 in the first half against some torrid defence from Ferns skipper Casey Williams.

Said Taumaunu: "We defended the shot pretty well in the first half but Catherine was nervous so I don't think that was entirely about us, that performance."

The new Australian shooting combination of captain Sharelle McMahon, who shifted to goal shoot, and Susan Pratley, caused the New Zealand defence some headaches.

Taumaunu felt Williams and substitute goal defence Joline Henry took too long to adjust after halftime, and that would form part of the side's pre-test planning.

There were more plaudits for the Ferns' offence, with Temepara George and Liana Barrett-Chase providing a steady supply of good ball to the shooters.

But that combination is in danger of being split tomorrow, with Barrett-Chase a doubtful starter with a calf strain which saw Wendy Telfer summoned from New Zealand as cover.

Still, Australia's injury situation was worse, with vice-captain and centre Natalie von Bertouch (sternum) no certainty to return and defenders Mo'onia Gerrard, Laura Geitz and Bianca Chatfield still absent.

Van Dyk admitted the Ferns had a royal chance to ram home the advantage with back-to-back wins against the world's top-ranked side, with tests in Brisbane, Invercargill and Auckland to follow.

"It's a huge goal, and for us as a team to grow," van Dyk said.

"There are certain things we're trying because we know the bigger picture is two years from now (world championship).

"But to get a back-to-back win would be amazing for our confidence. Now is a very good time to back it up."

Australia coach Norma Plummer felt her inexperienced side had more scope for improvement after a nervy start, and did well to get within three goals on the back of a poor shooting performance.

- NZPA