Netball: It's back to square one says Norma

Norma Plummer. Photo / Martin Sykes

Australian coach Norma Plummer believes a square ledger in the lead-up tests has put the Silver Ferns and the Diamonds back on level pegging heading in to next month's world championships.

A week ago, the favourites tag for the Singapore tournament rested with NZ, the current world number ones and Commonwealth Games champions.

But after the young and inexperienced Australian side upstaged the Ferns in Thursday night's opening test in Palmerston North, the Diamonds emerged as the frontrunners.

Last night's result turned things on their head again, as the Ferns showed their experience and class to score a thrilling three-goal win over Australia with their key shooting weapon, Irene van Dyk, sitting on the bench for half the game.

So who has the edge heading in to the world championships?

"Well I guess we'll have to play a game and see; it's a draw now," said Plummer. "As I've said three or four times since I've been here, on any given day it's anyone's games. There are no favourites."

After naming a bold new-look side for the world champs which included three uncapped players, Plummer made no secret of her preference for keeping her build-up to the game's pinnacle event behind closed doors.

But the commercial realities meant a test series had to be played before the tournament, leaving her with just five days to mould her new group before playing this latest series against their toughest opponents.

Despite her initial reluctance, Plummer said she was pleased with what she got out of the two tests, in which she had 11 players out on court, and felt her side were in a better position heading in to Singapore.