Netball: Ferns try to rediscover attacking spark

Laura Langman (right) says her side still have the personnel to pull off their game plan. Photo / Dean Purcell

Maria Tutaia's absence has been dearly felt in the Silver Ferns' attack in their opening two Constellation Cup test losses.

But New Zealand vice-captain Laura Langman believes her side still have the personnel to pull off the game plan that proved so effective for them for all but one quarter against Australia at the Netball World Cup.

The Constellation Cup series continues in Melbourne tomorrow with the trophy all but confirmed to remain on Australian shores for the third straight year after the Diamonds took a 2-0 lead in the series on Thursday night.

Even if the Ferns do win the final two matches, Australia have a healthy goal differential to fall back on after wins by six and 10 goals.

The difference in the opening two matches has been Australia's accuracy on attack. Where Australia have a strong target at the back in Caitlin Bassett, who is kept in steady supply of ball by crafty goal attack Natalie Medhurst, the Ferns are a lot more laboured in their approach to goal.

New Zealand are trying to rediscover the attacking spark they found at the World Cup in Sydney, where, armed with a bold new game plan, they players were encouraged to be fearless and play with speed and flair.

Along with the aerial ability of Bailey Mes, that game plan relied heavily on Tutaia, whose direct style meant fewer passes around the shooting circle - and fewer opportunities for Australia to spoil the ball.

Tutaia withdrew from the four-test series after being granted extended leave by Netball NZ following the World Cup, effectively handing her goal attack bib to veteran Jodi Brown.

With a different dynamic to their shooting end, the Ferns have lacked the precision and urgency to their attack. But Langman believes her side are not far off clicking into gear.

She said the game plan, which hinges on quick transition ball out of the defence end and quick-release passing, is still a successful style - they just haven't been able to execute it consistently enough.

"I don't think we have a problem, we're very confident to give the ball in. We're using the angles and playing quite smart, I think," said Langman.

"At one stage I heard [Australian defender] Laura [Geitz] say she wanted the ball slowed down, so I think that's a compliment to us.

"Bailey takes a good strong ball when it's put out in front of her and Jodi offers a great wide option when she offers front, so ... whatever combination goes out there the ball can go in whether on the circle or off."

With the exception of an untidy final five minutes, Waimarama Taumaunu was relatively happy with her side's efforts on Thursday night.

The game

Silver Ferns v Australia

Melbourne, 2.45pm tomorrow