They will go from a 66-31 defeat against world No 1 Australia on Wednesday and into another tough match against world No 3 England on Friday.
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Saturday’s semi-final at a bursting, boisterous Allphones Arena will be the next. She was voted the best netballer in the world in 2014 and will feature in her fourth championship and is one of six players aged over 30. For England, youngster Helen Housby, who has given a great account of herself during the event, got the nod at goal attack.
Defender Bec Bulley was wary of the Caribbean stars’ new sense of on-court composure in addition to their raw athleticism and aerial skills, following the appointment of former Australia coach Jill McIntosh as technical director. Two days later, the same team was a different one. Malawi though was going to have none of it. New Zealand was just ahead 16-13 at the first break. But the English never really fired a shot in this tournament, and were outgunned by a more clinical Ferns side today.
“We’ve put some plans in place for Romelda for goal shooter or Jhaniele (Fowler-Reid), if we end up having that as well”, Alexander said.
The introduction of the vastly experienced Pam Cookey for Housby in the second quarter made all the difference for England. With an eight-goal buffer midway through the third term, Green left the court with apparent calf soreness and was replaced by Paige Hadley.
“You’ve just got to obviously hope that the pressure over the four quarters put out the front [causes] a few wayward passes, because she is an absolute athlete”.
But, for now, normal service has been resumed.
Coach Waimarama Taumaunu says after seven unbeaten games, including their first win over the Diamonds in almost two years, the New Zealanders simply know what they do best. Not that there will be a soft semi-final, for the top four are a class above the rest, but this route to the final is clearly the preferable one.
“I think the biggest thing we’ll take out of this match is how much we still need to improve”.
Nine minutes into the third quarter the Silver Ferns started to poke their heads up.
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Australia did not take their foot off the gas in the second-half as they peppered the South Africans with constant attacks on their way to a straightforward win that guarantees them the chance to play for a medal.
