Netball: Balancing act for coaches

Liana Barrett-Chase and the Silver Ferns will need to step up a notch against Australia in Adelaide. Photo / Getty Images

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken and her Australian counterpart, Norma Plummer, face a tough balancing act in tomorrow's opening test in Adelaide, with both sides trying to focus on the long game, while still ensuring success in the short term.

There is no doubt that for both teams the key goal this year is standing atop the podium at next month's Commonwealth Games.

To achieve that, it means building depth in the squad by giving as many players as possible the opportunity to experience the pressure of an intense transtasman clash. But neither side wants that to cost them a loss.

After mixed performances in their series win over Jamaica last week, Aitken is hoping her side can step up again over the next three matches, which will be the team's last hit-outs before the Commonwealth Games.

Aitken says she wants to further finetune combinations that have not had a lot of court time together.

"I think [the Jamaica series] really showed the players that have played together a long time. For this tour it's about making sure we have time to establish combinations - plural."

For tomorrow's opening test, Plummer has the added complication of still being in selection mode as she looks to settle on her final 12 for the Commonwealth Games.

The battle within the Australian squad for places in the Games team provides an intriguing backdrop to the opening test. Tomorrow's game presents the final opportunity for players to push their credentials for the Games team

The Australian coach has until 5pm today to name her game-day squad for the opening test. Given it will be the last chance to clear up some of those selection dilemmas in her mind, there is talk Plummer may opt to give those players on the cusp a chance to fight it out for their place, and leave those players whose positions are more assured in the stands.

But Aitken expects Plummer will ensure she still has some heavy artillery on hand to counter the Ferns.

"I think they'll probably do a bit of a combination [of youth and experience]. Whether she leaves as her back bench the ones she's already sorted on, I don't know. It's Norma - who can predict?"

Certainly Plummer was not willing to shed any light on the situation. "Oh, you'll just have to wait and see," she said.

Silver Ferns v Australia
Tomorrow, 5pm - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Live on TV One

Played: 96
NZ won 37, Aust won 57, drawn 2

Previous five meetings (2009):
* NZ 52 Aust 36 - Sept 23
* Aust 47 NZ 46 - Sept 20
* Aust 36 NZ 33 - Sept 12
* Aust 48 NZ 44 - Sept 9
* NZ 53 Aust 50 - Sept 6

Most consecutive wins:
* NZ 6, Aust 10

Highest score:
* NZ 67 - 2007
* Aust 67 - 1992

Lowest score:
* NZ 11 - 1938
* Aust 27 - 1948, 1985, 1985

Biggest win:
* NZ - 25 goals, 2005
* Aust - 31 goals, 1948