Netball: Wall feels a call to maul for the ball

By Suzanne McFadden

Back on the netball court after six years, Black Ferns rugby star Louisa Wall has an urge to dive on the loose ball.

Trying out for the Silver Ferns yesterday, Wall was thinking of introducing a new style to international netball.

"When the ball's loose on the floor, I want to dive on it to secure it, or tap it to the next player," she said. "I can see myself doing it. I mean, that's what we're playing for - possession. As long as I don't wipe out the people in the corporate boxes."

Wall will know tomorrow whether she will get her chance, when the New Zealand netball team members to travel to Jamaica on Monday are named.

At 26, she is a netball veteran, a former Silver Ferns vice-captain, but she has not been around the game for six years.

"I feel like I'm a bit out of my depth - I'm learning to pass and catch again," she said.

Wall was 16 when she was picked from obscurity to play for New Zealand. She played at the 1991 world championships but soon after she lost her enjoyment of the game.

She switched to rugby and was in the Black Ferns side who won the world title last year.

"But rugby was getting too easy. Our club team would win 80-nil and sometimes the opposition wouldn't turn up because they knew they were in for a hiding.

"I wanted to experience defeat again. I wanted that challenge."

Naturally, Wall, who owns 22 Silver Ferns caps, would love to play in the world netball championships in Christchurch in September.

"But I wouldn't be broken if I don't make this team. I hope just being here in the squad will improve the New Zealand midcourt.

"There are some players who have been dead certs for the team in the last few years, so I just provide something different. I bring a bit of spice to it.

"Since I've been away, netball's become a lot more physical, a lot faster. To put it bluntly, it's more like the Australian style now. But that complements my style of rugby."

Wall has given rugby away this year, but she is continuing her studies towards a philosophy masters degree in social politics. When she finally throws out her myriad of boots and court shoes, the Beehive is on her horizon.