Silver Ferns Aim for Redemption in Second Constellation Cup Test

The Silver Ferns are gearing up for a critical second test in the Constellation Cup against Australia, following a disappointing loss in the series opener. In the first match held in Melbourne, the Ferns suffered a significant setback, losing 69-52 after a lackluster fourth quarter where they were outscored 24-11. With the next game scheduled for 9:30 PM NZ time on Wednesday at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the team knows they must improve their performance to have any chance of upsetting the heavily favored Diamonds.

In the initial match, the Silver Ferns displayed promising moments, particularly in the first three quarters. At halftime, they were only two points behind at 30-28 and trailed by just four points at three-quarter time. However, a dismal final quarter proved to be the turning point, as the Ferns struggled with mental fatigue and made crucial errors that the Australian team capitalized on.

Captain Karin Burger acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “There’s a balance between understanding it wasn’t good enough in terms of the last quarter and acknowledging the three quarters we did play really good netball.” The Ferns had been able to match Australia, but as the match progressed, particularly in the final quarter, their performance faltered.

The Silver Ferns have been navigating a challenging period, particularly with ongoing internal issues related to their coaching staff, which has affected player morale. Star shooter Grace Nweke admitted that the distractions made it difficult to focus entirely on the game. Despite these challenges, the team showed resilience and potential, often putting the Australian squad under pressure.

Both Burger and interim head coach Yvette McCausland-Durie highlighted the importance of learning from their mistakes. The Ferns committed six turnovers in the final quarter, which allowed Australia to gain extra scoring opportunities. McCausland-Durie emphasized the need to bring pride back into their performance and prepare mentally for the upcoming match.

Looking ahead to the second test, the Silver Ferns are determined to rectify their mistakes and maintain the intensity throughout all four quarters. The performance of Brisbane-raised shooter Martina Salmon offers hope for the team. In just her fourth test, Salmon displayed her potential as a valuable asset alongside Nweke, especially in the absence of former captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who will not return this season.

With the series set to continue after the Sydney match, the Silver Ferns are eager to prove themselves against the formidable Diamonds and regain momentum in the Constellation Cup. As they prepare for this crucial encounter, the team is focused on translating their strong three-quarter performance into a full match effort.