Three questions: What now for Silver Ferns?

Caitlin Thwaites of Australia shoots over Silver Ferns goal defense Katrina Grant. Photo / Getty Images

Herald netball writer Dana Johannsen and RadioSport's Rikki Swannell answer three key questions following the fourth Constellation Cup defeat for the Silver Ferns.

1. Did the fourth test indicate an upsurge in form for the Silver Ferns, or were the Australians just enjoying the opportunity for a contested training run?

Dana Johannsen: The former. The Australians were determined to notch up another big win over New Zealand to wrap up the series in style, but the Ferns didn't let them. The visitors might have trialled a new shooting pairing in the first half, but with the Ferns leading 22-21 at halftime, the Diamonds got the jitters and reverted back to their first string side at halftime. Promisingly, New Zealand still managed to win the third spell against the Diamonds top line. It was easily the Kiwi side's best performance of the series as they finally gained the fluidity to their attacking play they have been searching for over the past three matches. It was just a shame they couldn't hold on in the final spell.

Rikki Swannell: It's unfair on the Ferns to suggest the Australians took it as a training run, especially since some of those Diamonds players will have been desperate to finally get a start. New Zealand increased its lead at three quarter time after Australia's top line up came on, and it took 55 minutes for a team that has totally dominated this series to finally get on top. There are signs of life from the Ferns and they were able to show that they're capable of producing what they've talked about....just not for 60 minutes.

2. What is the more depressing sight: Casey Kopua's kneecap in the wrong place, or Irene van Dyk sitting behind a microphone?

Johannsen: Definitely Kopua's knee. While Taumaunu must long for the type of shooting stats van Dyk used to post, when Australia got on a roll in that final quarter, what the Ferns missed most down the stretch was their captain's influence at the back. The star defender has a freakish knack of being able to come up with an intercept or an inspirational play to lift her side right when they need it.

Swannell: Kopua's kneecap. Van Dyk has retired and everyone needs to get over it (no offence Irene!). When the Silver Ferns desperately need to come up with ball or an inspirational play, Kopua has been the one to provide that time and again. They needed it in the last five minutes of the 4th test and she wasn't there.

3. Complete this sentence: Over the next 18 months the Silver Ferns will...

Johannsen:
Get better, and then get much worse. Having been forced to test a range of combinations over this series, particularly in their attack end, the Ferns are beginning to build depth, which will hold them in good stead heading into next year's World Cup. Australia will still be overwhelming favourites for the world title, but the New Zealand side should at least be able to get back to a position where they'll be highly competitive. But they'll be back at square one again following the tournament, with several senior members of the squad expected to retire, while others may take time away from the game to start a family.

Swannell: Beat England. Keep Maria Tutaia in a protective bubble where she's only allowed to practice shooting until the World Cup. They will suffer a shock loss to Jamaica at the tournament before gallantly reaching the final, where a heroic Casey Kopua will steal an intercept with 20 seconds to go. Bailey Mes will sink the winning goal. Kopua, Henry and de Bruin will retire, Taumaunu will go to some place quiet where the phone doesn't ring and the words "Constellation Cup" will be banned, Noeline Taurua will become the new coach and we'll lament the lack of depth in the defensive end following those retirements. Or something like that....(ok this series may have addled my brain a bit).