Tread carefully here, you don't want to overload them with the ins and outs of the draw and suddenly find yourself alone at the watercooler.
This could be your chance to point out the early stages of the tournament have been a bit of a fizzer in the past because the top four sides can post cricket scores against the minnow nations.
So the organisers revamped the draw to ensure the big guns meet earlier on in the tournament. But Sunday's game will give us a chance to see how the new-look Ferns stack up against the Aussies.
Your colleague says: "That's right, the Ferns have made a few changes to their side haven't they? What do you make of these new shooters?"
This is a chance to really show your nettie nous. Bailey Mes is New Zealand's first-choice shooting option, she's extremely agile and strong in the air, but can be a bit suspect on the shot.
The New Zealand coaches seem to be okay with that, as she rebounds so strongly. Malia Paseka also has impressive athleticism, but she's only 20 still very raw.
Both have brought a new dynamic to the New Zealand attacking end, as the smaller, more mobile shooting circle has allowed things to flow a bit better.
Your colleague says: "I can't see anyone beating those Aussies - they're looking pretty strong aren't they?"
You might have to begrudgingly admit here that Australia are indeed the standard setters in world netball. They've won 10 of the 13 World Cups - albeit they had to share one of those titles with New Zealand and Trinidad & Tobago - and head into the tournament on the back of a 19-game unbeaten run.
Your colleague says: "The English seem to be talking themselves up a bit, do you reckon there's a chance New Zealand will miss out on the final?"
A tricky one. You don't want to appear a negative Nancy/Neville here, but you need to be realistic too - England have long been capable of beating the Ferns, and now they have an edge in the experience stakes, they have the belief they can do it as well.
But England should really have knocked over both Australia and New Zealand at last year's Commonwealth Games and blew it. They could crumble on the big stage yet again.
Your colleague says: "The Jamaicans are always pretty dangerous as well aren't they?"
You could respond "ya mon", but don't. That's lame. Just nod in agreement.
Expert trivia, just in case you bump into the office netball afficiado while topping up your drink bottle:
It's been 24 years since the World Cup was last held in Sydney. Back then, New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu was the captain of the Ferns, while her assistant coach Vicki Wilson was in the Aussie team that beat NZ by one-goal in the final. That was the first year finals were included in the World Cup format.
