Netball: Game plan gamble pays off - this time

Silver Ferns' Bailey Mes was outstanding in the shooting circle alongside Maria Tutaia. Photo / Getty Image

New Zealand upstage Australia to end two-year losing streak.

So far, the gamble is paying off.

Waimarama Taumaunu's decision to leave Cathrine Latu - consistently the most accurate shooter in the ANZ Championship - out of the Silver Ferns World Cup line-up in favour of high volume shooters was met with raised eyebrows in many circles.

But after yesterday's shock 52-47 win over Australia in pool play there will be few questioning that approach now.

The Ferns converted just 75 per cent of their shots at goal last night to Australia's 82 per cent, with Maria Tutaia netting 34/48 and Bailey Mes 18/21. But crucially, the New Zealand side also had 12 more attempts.

That's all down to the availability of Mes at the back and the attacking game plan the team are trying to promote.

The Ferns' brains trust figures if they can take a more direct route to the shooting circle, and the shooters continue to go to the post, they'll give themselves every opportunity to win - particularly when they have the rebounding ability of Mes under the net. And they were right - this time.

Asked if she felt last night's performance proved the volume over accuracy approach has paid off, Taumaunu said: "Today it did. I think it's still a question that will be asked for the remainder of the week, but high volume plus half the rebounds was what we were going for and we were pretty close to that today."

Casey Kopua told Radio Sport's Rikki Swannell the victory gives the side 'huge confidence'

Taumaunu on the key reasons why New Zealand won

Australian captain Laura Geitz - 'It's a good thing for us to experience'

Australian coach Lisa Alexander - 'We didn't bring our A game'

Last night was the first time the Ferns' game plan was given a thorough examination, with the New Zealand side rarely challenged in their pre-World Cup hit-outs and early round robin clashes.

Under the tight defensive pressure of the Australians, it would have been easy for the New Zealand attack to become cautious and hesitant.

Taumaunu said it was pleasing to see midcourters Laura Langman, Grace Rasmussen and Kayla Cullen continue to let the ball go into the shooting circle.

"It didn't always come off, particularly with Kayla and Laura, but we stayed confident and continued to do so until the end.

"Bailey's composure and her partnership with Maria was also really pleasing."

New Zealand captain Casey Kopua said last night's performance was a huge confidence boost.

"There were a few surprises for individuals out there. But it gives us huge confidence and belief mentally and physically," she said.

What happens next?

• The top two from each pool advance through to the top eight, and split off once more into two pools for another round robin.

• Pool E will feature New Zealand, Jamaica, Malawi and the loser of today's match between Wales and Uganda. Pool F will feature Australia, England, South Africa and Uganda/Wales.

• After the round qualification matches the top two teams from each pool will go through to the semifinals.

• While the top eight are battling it out, the bottom eight will also be competing in their own sectional play.