It was a risky assignment for the Silver Ferns.
Playing test match netball when their match fitness and court smarts have been blunted by the summer break left the Ferns, as coach Waimarama Taumaunu put it, vulnerable. Although their aim for the tour was to expose different combinations to the Jamaican and English style of play and build depth ahead of this year's Commonwealth Games, this week's tri-series could just as easily have had the opposite effect. Had the Ferns lost to England or Jamaica it would only have chipped away at their confidence and put further doubt in their minds after a disappointing 2013.
But with big risks come big rewards and, providing they manage to avoid any slip-ups or injuries against England A today, the Ferns can board their flight back to New Zealand feeling comfortable with where they sit ahead of the Glasgow tournament.
Their performance against Jamaica wasn't their most assured attacking display, with some ugly patches of play interspersed with the odd flash of creative brilliance as the Ferns trialled two completely different attacking lines in each half. But, needing a full-court defensive effort to stem the flow of ball into 1.98m shooting star Jhaniele Fowler, the New Zealand side were gritty and relentless on defence.
But it was their dominant performance against England yesterday with a second string attacking line-up that cleared up a few lingering doubts over the strength of the Ferns unit. To record a 17-goal win over England with three of their biggest names - Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk and injured skipper Casey Kopua - sitting on the sideline, will help break up the over-reliance on the Ferns starting seven. The come-from-behind effort confirmed their inexperienced players can work their way out of a tough spot.
