SYDNEY - Australian netball legend Vicki Wilson is predicting an Australian win in the test against New Zealand at the Sydney Superdome on Saturday night.
Wilson said it was hard to predict what might happen with key changes in personnel for both teams, but she identified one area where Australia might have an edge.
New Zealand's loss of wing attack Anna Rowberry to injury and goal attack Belinda Colling to pregnancy could be critical, she said.
"You are missing players straight across the line in Rowberry and Colling, whereas our changes are split up over the ends," she said.
"We still have [Liz] Ellis at the back and Catherine Cox in the forward line, both adding stability and experience." She said to lose the experienced Rowberry and Colling, who linked well for the Silver Ferns, would require a big adjustment, particularly for shooter Irene van Dyk.
"The first time Irene came into the New Zealand team it took her a while to settle into their style of play, and it will take the new players time to adjust working on their delivery to her and using her as a spearhead.
"They won't want to drag her out of the goal circle, she is just so effective working that circle with her timing and great elevation."
However, Wilson said the Australians were not without weaknesses.
"We will be vulnerable in midcourt as we try to find the right combination."
- NZPA
Netball: Aussies see a chink in the Silver Ferns' armour
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