Netball: Latu gets physical then Aussie crowd gets personal

Cathrine Latu was heckled by the crowd. Photo / Getty Images

In the best traditions of Sir Richard Hadlee at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Cathrine Latu became public enemy number one in Melbourne last Monday night.

Latu, starting for the first time against Australia in almost two years, was a formidable presence on court and soon attracted the attention - and ire - of the capacity crowd inside the Rod Laver Arena.

It seemed unusual for a netball crowd. After a series of particularly physical opening exchanges with the Diamonds defenders, Latu's every touch was booed and heckled, with cries of "She's been doing it all day" emanating from the seats near the court.

The 27-year-old was clearly nervous at the start but got stronger across the match, despite also being targeted by the umpires at times.

"I love nothing more than to be the arch enemy of the crowd," laughed Latu.

"No ... really ... I couldn't care less. I was trying to get the ball as much as [Laura Geitz] was, they just didn't like it. [To be honest] the booing makes me laugh - it's funny."

The attention was unnecessary at times but it is also significant, as Australian crowds - whatever the sport - often focus on those opposing athletes who they perceive as a threat.

Latu has been a bit player over the past few years, playing only 23 quarters (of a possible 72) since her Ferns debut in October 2011. But there is a feeling that last Monday we witnessed the rebirth of Latu.

In her last full game against Australia (October 2011) she looked a fish out of water, struggling to adjust to the physicality - and especially the pace - of the international game. It seems different now.

"I've been around for a while but I haven't actually played that much," says Latu.

"I know I am behind the world's best shooter but it was great to get a run out there and feel exactly what it feels like because you can't replicate that at training, as much as we try to."

Waiting in the queue behind van Dyk can't have been easy.

Since her debut, she has started only six of 17 possible matches (including just two against Australia) and Monday's match was only her second full game for the Ferns.

"From a purely sentimental perspective it was difficult to leave Irene out," admits Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu.

"But in practice Cathrine deserved a start and deserved to stay on the court."

Latu's long road

Oct 3, 2011 v England Quarter 3, 4

Oct 6, 2011 v England Quarter 3, 4

Oct 23, 2011 v Australia Not used

Oct 26, 2011 v Australia Quarter 1, 2, 3, 4

Oct 30, 2011 v Australia Not used

Sept 16, 2012 v Australia Not used

Sept 20, 2012 v Australia Not used

Sept 23, 2012 v Australia Quarter 4

Oct 14, 2012 v S. Africa Quarter 1,2

Oct 17, 2012 v England Quarter 1,2

Oct 21, 2012 v Australia Quarter 1

Oct 25, 2012 v England Quarter 1,2

Oct 28, 2012 v S.Africa Quarter 3,4

Nov 1, 2012 v Australia Not used

Sep 15, 2013 v Australia Not used

Sep 19, 2013 v Australia Not used

Oct 4, 2013 v Australia Quarter 4

Oct 7, 2013 v Australia Quarter 1, 2, 3, 4