Dana Johannsen: Strategy pays dividends ahead of games

Silver Ferns Maria Tutaia, above, Irene van Dyk and injured skipper Casey Kopua were sitting on the sideline at their game against England. Photo / Natalie Slade

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.

The only disappointment of the series was just how poor England were yesterday. Finally back to full strength after their ANZ Championship stars resolved their differences over selection criteria with England Netball, the world No3 side were expected to be much better.

After their historic 3-0 series whitewash of Australia a year ago, the race for gold at this year's Commonwealth Games appeared wide open - at least by international netball standards. But on the strength of England's performance yesterday, they have a lot more work to do if they are to be considered a genuine chance of breaking up Australia and New Zealand's duopoly on the pinnacle event.

Having successfully negotiated a difficult January tour, the next dilemma for Ferns management is weighing up whether any changes need to be made to the 12 for the Commonwealth Games. Kopua, who is recovering from ankle surgery in the off-season, is set to return to the group, but there is also defender Anna Harrison, coming back from maternity leave, and Kayla Cullen (knee reconstruction) to consider in the defensive mix as well. Shooter Bailey Mes, another Fern to have undergone a knee reconstruction last year, is also expected to push for a place in the shooting end.

It could be risky making any changes to the squad ahead of the Games, but taking risks seems to be paying off for the Ferns right now.