Netball: Ferns need win to show doubters

Casey Williams can't stop Catherine Latu of the World Seven grabbing the ball in the first test. Photo / Getty Images

One game into the international season and there are already major doubts swirling around the Silver Ferns' prospects this year following their disjointed and error-ridden performance in their opening test against the World Seven.

The New Zealand side must respond in resolute fashion in tonight's second test in Rotorua if they are to stamp out those doubts.

The Ferns were outsmarted by the world team in the opening test in Wellington as the visitors' no-frills approach frustrated the impatient hosts.

New Zealand now find themselves under unexpected pressure heading into the second test with not only the series on the line, but the all-important "two-year plan" also in danger.

The opening loss has jeopardised the ability of the coaching staff to test out new combinations - one of the key objectives for the series.

Silver Ferns' coach Ruth Aitken stated from the outset that this season the focus is very much on future goals as they eye Commonwealth Games and World Championship success.

The world series was seen as a strong opportunity to test out a variety of combinations and strategies ahead of what will be an extremely tough five-game series against Australia next month.

New Zealand assistant coach Waimarama Taumaunu said despite Monday's setback, they are still hopeful of being able to test a variety of different lines.

"Something we'll still be aiming to do to get all 12 players on, this is our opportunity to do it," said Taumaunu.

"We are very aware we blew a chance last night to try and get people on, that really has thrown the plan astray, but nonetheless it is going to continue to be an objective."

The Ferns may have little choice but to trial a new shooting combination tonight, with starting goal attack Maria Tutaia in doubt with a minor back strain. Tutaia's absence could leave an opening for rookie Paula Griffin to clock up further international minutes, but with Griffin having just returned from the World Youth Championships, the selectors may look to give Tactix shooter Anna Thompson her debut.

But the player who gets the nod to partner Irene van Dyk in the shooting circle will be faced with a stern challenge as the Ferns seek to resurrect their lacklustre attack.

The lack of cohesion between the midcourters and the shooting circle was evident on Monday night with the New Zealand team at best managing to score only 12 goals a quarter.

Their scoring ability wasn't helped by the high number of elementary errors, such as footwork and breaking calls, committed throughout the court.

"There were bits that were just dumb, and it's not expected or acceptable at this level," said Taumaunu.

She was most disappointed in her side's in-circle defence.

Although captain Casey Williams managed to pick off five intercepts, the world team's path to goal was generally much less challenged than the Silver Ferns.

"We didn't put a lot of preparation time in to some areas, so we have to accept that it was going to be a bit rusty," she said.

SILVER FERNS v WORLD SEVEN
* Second test.
* Rotorua Energy Events Centre, 7.45 tonight.