Netball: Milestone for skipper something to celebrate

Casey Kopua becomes the most-capped New Zealand netball skipper tonight. Photo / Getty Images

The Silver Ferns have had little to celebrate during the Constellation Cup series, but their captain Casey Kopua will tonight give them some reason for cheer as she notches a significant milestone in the black dress.

Kopua will overtake Lyn Gunson's long-standing record as the most-capped New Zealand skipper when she runs out on court against Australia in the third test in Sydney.

The star defender, who has played 86 tests for the Ferns, will notch up her 63rd appearance as captain, eclipsing Gunson (formerly Parker), who was captain from 1978-85.

With Lisa Alexander's Diamonds in dominant form, winning the last seven meetings between the two sides (the last three by an average of 14.6 goals), the chances of the Ferns marking the milestone with a win look incredibly slim.

But the New Zealand side will regardless make it a special occasion for their inspirational captain, with the team to honour Kopua following the game with a private presentation.

She was considered a bold choice as captain when she was handed the reins in 2009 following the retirement of midcourt veteran Julie Seymour.

Although the star defender was one of the younger members of the team at the time, she commanded the respect of the entire squad with her ability to lead from the front and fire the team with her inspirational play.

It was the off-court demands of the job that didn't come as naturally for Kopua, who was considered a little rough around the edges and took some time to adjust to the added media and public speaking requirements.

After a one-goal test loss in Invercargill resulted in a series loss to Australia in her first season in charge, Kopua famously uttered in the post-match interview that she was "pissed off" her side hadn't managed to get over the line.

While the remark drew criticism from some of the more conservative members of the netball set, Kopua's candour won her respect from general sports fans, particularly male, who had long sneered at netball's controversy-shy approach.

Vice-captain Laura Langman will also notch a milestone in Sydney tonight, equalling Lesley Rumball's record of 108 tests for New Zealand, making her the second most-capped Silver Fern behind Irene van Dyk (145).

Langman has gone one better than Rumball, however, with her 108 test appearances coming consecutively.

Most tests as Silver Ferns captain
1. Lyn Gunson (1978-85) 62 tests
2. Casey Kopua (2009-) 62
3. Adine Wilson (2005-07) 34
4. Waimarama Taumaunu (1989-91) 30
5. Belinda Colling (1998-99) 26
6. Leigh Gibbs (1986-87) 26
7. Bernice Mene (1997, 2000-01) 25
8. Sandra Edge (1994-95) 21
9. Anna Rowberry (2002-04) 19
10. Julie Seymour (2002, 2008) 16