The Silver Ferns coach's displeasure at the Ferns' defensive performance is instructive of how she sees her side winning the World Cup, writes Dana Johannsen.

The Ferns' traditional strength is being targeted as the big work-on for the team, as they prepare for their final pre-World Cup hit-out against South Africa tonight.

South Africa have provided Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu with a better guide of the relative strengths of her different combinations ahead of the World Cup

The Silver Ferns might be facing an unfamiliar opponent, but there will be a very familiar face sitting on the opposing sideline.

The Silver Ferns' first pre-World Cup hit-out against Fiji on Thursday night provided a strong indicator of the lines Taumaunu will run during the tournament in Sydney in just under two weeks.

Top coaches would relate to Wai Taumaunu's dilemma when it came to choosing her world championship Silver Ferns squad this month, David Leggat.

Cathrine Latu has recommitted to the Northern Mystics next season, ending speculation over her future.

The spotlight shone on the new kid and the comeback kid in the Silver Ferns dominant win over Fiji in the first of three pre-World Cup hit-outs in Porirua tonight.

Silver Fern midcourter Camilla Lees is quitting netball for good as she says it is no longer possible to combine her medical work with the demands of playing at the top level.

It is possibly the biggest gamble of Waimarama Taumaunu's career. A calculated gamble, but a gamble no less.

The new-look Silver Ferns attack line are an unknown quantity even to themselves just over three weeks out from the start of the World Cup.

Laura Langman could become the first high profile Kiwi to play for an Australian franchise - and she's not the only one being targeted.

Whatever happens to the Silver Ferns at the World Cup, one irrefutable truth remains - the performance of Maria Tutaia is still the critical success factor.

Coach Waimarama Taumaunu will today name her side for the Netball World Cup in Sydney, ending weeks of speculation over the 12 for the tournament.

Before the Netball World Cup story becomes one of selection delight and dejection, we should note the stories of sacrifice just to make it to this week's trials, writes Dana Johannsen.

Mystics’ defender Temalisi Fakahokotau has undergone surgery for a deep cut in her hand after the glass jug of her blender smashed.

It is hard to remember a period when there has been more pessimism about Kiwi netball, writes Dana Johannsen.

Several long-standing Silver Ferns are in danger of missing out on the World Cup if they don't perform strongly at trials this week.