KEY POINTS:
The Silver Ferns are hoping to startle Australia with a new style of play in tonight's test.
The teams play the first of three tests at Auckland's new Vector Arena tonight. The opening test is much anticipated after Australia's win over the Ferns in England earlier this year. It was the Australians fourth win over the Ferns in five matches.
But Silver Ferns defender Joline Henry says the losses were down to mistakes, not because the Australians are a better team. She says there is nothing physically different between the two sides.
New Zealand captain Adine Wilson says defender Liz Ellis is always a problem, but they are hoping to confuse her. She says they have been practicing different movements in getting the ball into the circle so they are not predictable. Adine Wilson says it is nice having options with players too, as hopefully Australia will not know what to expect.
Meanwhile the Australian coach may not have been entirely convinced with Silver Fern Laura Langman as a centre, but some of her players are wary.
Australian mid-courter Selina Gilsenan thought Langman filled the shoes of Temepara George well. She says the ball was flowing down the court well when Langman was in the role. Gilsenan says they are all hoping New Zealand tries as many combinations as they did against Jamaica - so they can work them out before World Champs.
The match gets under way at 7.45pm.
- NEWSTALK ZB