Netball: 'Smiling assassin' intimidates Australia

Vilimaina Davu. Michael Bradley / Getty Images

Tough talking Australian netball coach Norma Plummer says her side will not take a backward step in tonight's one-off test against the Silver Ferns in Auckland.

Plummer branded the last test in June as "a fight" not netball and admitted her shooters were intimidated by the New Zealand defence, which was spearheaded by the uncompromising Vilimaina Davu, dubbed "the smiling assassin" by the Australian media.

"We went soft in a few places," Plummer said.

"We need to get hold of the ball and keep possession. We are very mindful that the game will be tough but we won't be put in a position of taking a step back."

The Australians have taken a slightly unusual approach to the game by calling on Canberra Raiders coach Matthew Elliott to help them with the finer points of staying strong during body contact.

Plummer, who has worked with the Brumbies and the Raiders on agility and decision making, said the session was simply to add a bit of "variety" to the camp.

But it does give some indication of how much stronger the wounded Australians feel they need to be to tackle the Silver Ferns - a side who many in New Zealand would say are finally giving the Aussies a taste of their own medicine.

Three years ago Australian defender, and now captain, Liz Ellis took a swipe at the Silver Ferns who claimed Australia's physical presence was excessive.

"Can you imagine the reaction if the All Blacks complained about the Springboks being too physical, or if the Wallabies moaned about the Lions being overly rugged?" Ellis asked.

"They'd be laughed out of town."

Unaffected by criticism of her play which had the Aussie crowd calling for her to be sent off in June - Davu has laid down the gauntlet saying she has no plans to tone down her game.

Not that Plummer buys into the Davu fear factor.

"Davu had one big run but [Australian shooter Catherine] Cox got her twice before that. I think people have got short memories," she said.

"You often don't see top-class players come out and play the same game twice.

"I am hoping they think that, that is good luck to them because that would be underestimating our ability, but I don't think Ruth [Aitken] would be that naive."

But unless the Australians can combat Davu it is unlikely they will head home tomorrow with the pychological edge they want ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

On too many occasions their shooters have crumbled under the pressure which can be attributed only to Davu's presence.

"We know that has been an issue and we have addressed it," was all Plummer would say.

"We didn't come over here just to turn up and say we are here for the practice.

"That would be an insult to the game quite frankly," she said.

"We are here to have a crack at it just like New Zealand are."