Dame Noeline Taurua reflects on her father and becoming a dame. Video / Supplied
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has echoed her chief executive’s feelings of disrespect following England’s decision to field a second-strength team in their upcoming international meet.
Taurua told the Herald it was “disappointing” the Roses will not put their best foot forward against New Zealand later this month.
Itcomes after New Zealand’s chief executive Jenny Wylie told 1News last week that England’s roster to head down under – which is effectively a B team – is “disrespectful.”
Taurua said on Monday, following the reveal of her squad: “I think Jenny, our CEO was very clear on her words and we are the same in regards to being disappointed.”
She feels England’s move shows a lack of understanding of the global game, and a top netball nation’s responsibility to push the game forward.
“[The community] want to see the best that we could possibly put out, which we feel that we’ve done in regards to the naming of the squad and the integrity really of who we are and the global game.”
Now heading into the series as unexpected favourites, Taurua said the mindset has shifted towards world rankings.
“Every time you do get on court and play a test match, it’s really important and those points are very important for our overall standing.”
“Our take on it is to be better – it is really important that we can be better than Netball World Cup from our mistakes.”
With the personnel she had available, Taurua announced a near full-strength team for the next three international campaigns: Taini Jamison, Constellation Cup and Fast5.
That includes star shooter Grace Nweke who is anticipated to return in October after copping a knee injury at July’s Netball World Cup.
“At this moment she’s tracking really well.
“She’s done what she needed to do over the last four weeks while she was on annual leave and now we can start pushing on with our program.”
Taurua said: “We’ve got checkpoints, from here until the next four or five weeks, that she’s got to get through so at the moment, we’re pretty happy by her progression.”
The most notable omission from the top squad once again Peta Toeava, whose non-selection justification has become a recurring theme.
Toeava will train with the first team but will play for New Zealand A as she’s been deemed not fit enough for the Silver Ferns for the second time this year.
Taurua said after her two-month hiatus from Netball after the ANZ Premiership, the Mystics wing-attack is going through a ”return to play” programme to help regain full fitness.
Peta Toeava has not been selected for the upcoming Silver Ferns series against England and Australia. Photo / Photosport
“[Toeava] just needs to get her body up and her mind to where she needs to be.”
This time around, Taurua said the 29-year-old wasn’t ready to take the court, both physically and mentally.
“It’s what happens when you do have the time off... but hence we still want her to be a part of our set-up and work once again to get her back into the mix again.”
Upcoming international fixtures:
Taini Jamison Trophy
New Zealand v England: 24 September, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch, 4:00pm (NZT)
New Zealand v England: 27 September, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua, 7:30pm (NZT)
New Zealand v England: 30 September, Globox Arena, Hamilton, 7:00pm (NZT)
Constellation Cup vs Australia
New Zealand v Australia: 12 October, John Cain Arena, Melbourne, 9:30pm (NZT)
New Zealand v Australia: 15 October, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, 9:30pm (NZT)
New Zealand v Australia: 19 October, ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill, 7:30pm (NZT)
New Zealand v Australia: 23 October, Spark Arena, Auckland, 4:00pm (NZT)
SILVER FERNS: Taini Jamison Trophy vs England
Karin Burger
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Kelly Jury
Phoenix Karaka
Tiana Metuarau
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Whitney Souness
Amelia Walmsley
Jane Watson
Maia Wilson
SILVER FERNS: Constellation Cup vs Australia
Karin Burger
Kate Burley
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Kelly Jury
Phoenix Karaka
Tiana Metuarau
Grace Nweke*
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Whitney Souness
Amelia Walmsley
Jane Watson
Maia Wilson
*Subject to medical clearance
NEW ZEALAND A vs England
Tayla Earle
Georgia Heffernan
Fa’amu Ioane
Paris Lokotui
Amorangi Malesala
Kimiora Poi
Michaeal Sokolich-Beatson
Carys Stythe
Elle Temu
Peta Toeava**
Saviour Tui
**Graduated return to play programme
FAST5 FERNS: FAST5 Netball World Series
Kate Burley
Tayla Earle
Paris Lokotui
Amorangi Malesala
Tiana Metuarau
Grace Nweke*
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson
Whitney Souness
Elle Temu
Maia Wilson
*Subject to medical clearance
Bonnie Jansen is a Multimedia Journalist in the NZME Sports team. She’s a keen footballer and has worked with the Alternative Commentary Collective before joining the Te Rito cadetship scheme.
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
