Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken believes coping with the pressure will be a key factor for the New Zealand under-21 side heading into tomorrow's crucial clash against Australia in the World Youth Cup.
New Zealand have had an easy run so far in the tournament. They finished top of their pool and advanced effortlessly through their regrouped section, casting aside Samoa 67-27 in Fort Lauderdale yesterday.
They face the Cook Islands today then front up against arch-rivals Australia tomorrow for a place in the final.
Jamaica face England in the other semifinal. The winners will meet in the final on Monday while the losers will play off for third and fourth.
Like New Zealand, Australia have cruised through the tournament unchallenged but have looked particularly impressive in the shooting circle where they have been averaging about 90 per cent.
Aitken, who has spent the past five days observing the tournament, said Australia had speed through the midcourt but she was confident the New Zealand side, including Silver Ferns Laura Langman, Maria Tutaia and Casey Williams, could match them.
"It will just be how things go pressure-wise for them. It is a big step up for them. It will be hard coming off such big wins and then to hit that intensity ... it will be a big mountain to climb, certainly."
She was impressed with the marked improvement in the team from earlier this year, when she last saw them.
"They are playing well as a team. All 12 of them have really performed. [Coach] Te Aroha [Keenan] has some big calls ahead of her but that is healthy.
"From a player development point of view, they have been outstanding."
Netball: Big step up after easy World Cup run
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