KEY POINTS:
The Silver Ferns have the luxury of an unprecedented week in between tests to prepare for their final match of the year.
After overwhelming Australia 46-41 in their opening test in Melbourne, the Ferns earned themselves a couple of days off before they plan their assault on the Diamonds in Brisbane, where it is possible they may be able to wrest the No 1 spot in the world rankings away from the home side.
The danger is Australia will be stewing over their opening loss all week and have been afforded extra time to plot their revenge.
"We know a wounded Aussie side is a dangerous one, that's for sure," New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken warned.
Having come into the Australian tour on the back of a pressure-filled 2-1 series win over England, Aitken has granted her side a much-needed rest day today before they turn their attention to this Sunday's second and final test.
The Kiwi coach said the plan was the team would refresh mentally and physically before hitting the training court hard again tomorrow through to Sunday.
The Ferns will be joined in camp by Southern Steel defender Erika Burgess and Canterbury Tactix shooter Anna Thompson, who have been sent over as training partners.
Aitken said having such a prolonged build-up presented a new set of challenges for the players and coaches alike.
Keeping her players fresh through the week is Aitken's main concern, but with just one test remaining this year she said she was confident her side would remain on task.
"This is the first time we've had a week between tests while we're in camp, so the challenge for the players is not getting stale and for the coaches we have to be mindful we don't over-coach and overload them with trainings as we like to do," said Aitken.
"But I think bringing the fresh players over will definitely help, and I certainly know the players are really keen to finish well."
Silver Ferns co-captain Laura Langman said despite the break the side certainly would not be resting on their laurels.
The multi-talented midcourter said the side were determined not to fall into the same trap they did in their series against England this month, when they became complacent after a healthy win in the opening test.
"The lion's most vulnerable after a big feed, so we've got to be really careful that we're still dotting our 'i's and crossing our 't's as we know Aussie will be doing that," she said.
"We'll take a moment to enjoy the win, but we're very wary they're going to come out all guns blazing."
