Karin Burger of New Zealand in action during the Netball World Cup 2023, Pool D match between the Silver Ferns and Trinidad and Tobago. Photo / Getty
Silver Ferns 76
Trinidad & Tobago 27
It was not the result, but the dynamism from the Silver Ferns which put the rest of the competition on notice at the Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
New Zealand stormed to a 76-27 demolition of Trinidad & Tobago in the tournament opener.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua demanded ruthless accuracy from her side from day one, and they responded in emphatic fashion.
Grace Nweke slotted a perfect 31 goals with Maia Wilson also efficient with 22 from 24 attempts.
Karin Burger proved the pick of the defenders, making six intercepts and plenty of deflections to take player of the match honours.
New Zealand roared out to a nine-goal lead before Trinidad and Tobago slotted their first goal.
The height difference between the sides was incredibly noticeable - starting wing defender Burger had a 19-centimetre height advantage over her opposite wing attack, Shantel Seemungal.
That only increased to 27 centimetres when Kelly Jury came into wing defence in the third quarter.
The Silver Ferns led 23-2 at the end of the first quarter, bringing about six changes with goal defence Phoenix Karaka the only player to retain her bib.
Wilson stepped in at goal shoot, looking lethal from range and assured in contact under the post, slotting 16 second quarter goals to follow up Nweke’s 19 in the first.
New Zealand’s 20-9 second quarter win improved their lead to 43-11 by halftime.
The third quarter brought the most shocking positional switch into play - goal keep Jury in at wing defence.
The Central Pulse star had never played in the midcourt before, but took to it with plenty of enthusiasm.
Jury’s 1.92-metre height allowed her to wreak havoc by reaching over the top to force deflections from behind, probably covering for being beaten for pace at times.
The rust on Taurua’s experimental combinations showed in the much tighter third quarter, in which the Ferns forced only six general play turnovers compared to 15 in the first and nine in the second.
They still won the third 15-9 to take a 38-goal lead into the final quarter, which saw Kate Heffernan return to wing defence.
New Zealand polished off the fourth quarter 18-7 - with Te Paea Selby-Rickit getting a turn at goal shoot - to consolidate the resounding victory.
The Silver Ferns next play Uganda on Saturday night at 7pm.
Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke speaks about the Constellation Cup series and the rivalry against the Diamonds in the final match. Video / Alyse Wright