Three questions: Can the Ferns feel comfortable?

Katrina Grant has been one of the stand-outs for the Silver Ferns. Photo / Alan Gibson

Herald netball writer Dana Johannsen and RadioSport's Rikki Swannell answer three key questions following the Ferns' 52-38 win over England last night.

1. Can the Ferns feel more comfortable looking ahead to 2015 after last night's win?

DJ: Relief seemed to be the overwhelming emotion in the Ferns camp last night. To say the win was desperately needed would be an understatement - another loss and things had the potential to get toxic in the NZ camp. Finishing the season off with a complete performance will ensure the post-season reviews are more constructive, but the win can't mask over the issues that have arisen this year - particularly in the attack end. These issues must be addressed if the side are to have any chance at next year's World Cup.

RS: They can feel better but not necessarily more comfortable. They showed in Palmerston North they're far better than what they produced in that first test loss to England but the gap to Australia can't be forgotten and there's some questions that needs to be answered during the ANZ championship. However the manner, let alone the margin of the second test win over England is heartening and this season may be a case of what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

2. Are the Silver Ferns attacking issues really resolved?

DJ: It was certainly a much more assured attacking performance from the Ferns last night with Cathrine Latu at the back and the coaching staff will be heartened to see the attack end finally playing with confidence. The key concern over Latu remains consistency. She is consistently accurate, but she is yet to prove she can consistently dominate.

RS: Not really, but they will feel like they've made some progress, and know they have Maria Tutaia to come back. The onus is on individuals now - Latu needs a strong, consistent ANZ champs and Mes needs some alone time with the goal post. It's a worry to think though that one of Wells or Brown may be restricted largely to a bench role with the Pulse and Mes may find herself more at goal attack than goal shoot at the Tactix. When that attack fires it looks a million bucks, but they must find some level of consistency if they're to really challenge Australia.

3. It has been an awful season, but who has been the stand-out for NZ for you over the second half of the year?

DJ: Laura Langman. There's a reason she is the only player to have played every minute of every match of these October internationals - she is a class above. Admittedly Langman had a slow start to the Constellation Cup, but she responded with real grit and determination to lift her game. In particular her defensive work in the middle was exceptional.

RS: Katrina Grant. Thrived in a leadership role and developed her goal defence game considerably, having largely played at Gk in recent seasons.