Netball: Focus on strength in depth

Ruth Aitken. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Ruth Aitken has to satisfy the twin monsters of victory and variety. While nothing less than a 3-0 whitewash will be tolerated by an expectant public, the Ferns coach also has to continue building depth ahead of July's world championships.

It is always a tricky balance, though Aitken's hand has been forced. Temepara George and Grace Rasmussen pulled out through injury, while in the lead-up to this morning's first test there were question marks over the fitness of Liana Leota (nee Barrett Chase).

"Results are obviously all important," says Aitken, "but we need to keep developing our team of 12. Internal competitiveness is vital and it is crucial to have options off the bench - that is when the pieces of the puzzle come together."

Aitken also wants a fast start in 2011: "Last year we were inconsistent in early test matches," she says. "Now consistency must come earlier."

The transition from Delhi to Singapore looks to be much easier than the difficult leap four years ago. After the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games victory, Aitken lost four crucial members of her starting seven for the world championships the following year. Anna Rowberry, George, Vilimaina Davu and Belinda Colling were sorely missed in Auckland.

In 2011, save for injury or a late-breaking pregnancy, Aitken will be able to field every one of the Delhi heroes.

England, likely semifinal opponents in Singapore, are the first step in the grand plan. Despite improvement over the last few years, they still don't cope as well with pressure as the Ferns or the Diamonds.

"In 2008 we rattled them," says former Ferns captain Wilson, "and gaining a mental edge over England is key."

"[England] can fold under pressure," agrees Fastnet Ferns coach Robyn Broughton. "In critical moments we need to be cold-hearted and close it out."

The second test is on Tuesday morning (7.50am NZT) in Nottingham and the final match in London on Thursday (7.50am NZT).