New Zealand coach Dame Noeline Taurua said her aim would be to win more of the ball in Sunday’s second match against Australia, following her team’s 10-goal defeat last week.
The Silver Ferns were outplayed for much of the Constellation Cup at John Cain Arena on Thursday night and limited to just six goals in a dismal final quarter.
Taurua admitted she was disappointed with the 50-40 defeat, but took a lot from the result.
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“Last time we were here we got spanked…I’m not necessarily happy with the 10 (goal margin). Because we’re not,” she said.
“But we’re going to get licked and get ready for the second game in Brisbane.
“The margin, whether it is one or 100, makes no difference: you either win or you lose.
“We have young players – you can talk all you want… but we need to have more of the ball.”
The Diamonds had eight interceptions to the Ferns’ four and had four deflections for gains – while New Zealand had none.
Phoenix goal defender Karaka was benched late in the second term as Diamonds Kiera Austin went on a rampage.
While Karin Burger was featured, fellow defender Jane Watson saw no playing time in the series opener.
“I think we have a lot more to give – which is not a great feeling at the moment,” Ferns skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio said.
“We can’t wait for the second game. I already want to go there.
“It’s just a few little things…we just have to be a little bigger in those moments.”
The Ferns managed to hold the Australian defenders without a rebound, which was a positive for the visitors – with four of them attacking.
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Two of them came from 192cm rookie Amelia Walmsley who was playing only her third Test.
But Walmsley was brought to the bench late in the game after being limited to 21 goals in 51 minutes – including going scoreless in the first six minutes of the game.
“I was really impressed with the way Sarah Klau came into the match as goalkeeper (for Australia),” said Fox Netball’s Bianca Chatfield.
“She really stifled Walmsley on the baseline, giving him no space.
“They really took the Silver Ferns out of their comfort zone.”
Taurua said she had no doubt Walmsley would learn lessons from the first game in the clash in Brisbane.
“Poor 19-year-old – it’s the things you play against legends as such, but also those dreams you have there – it’s a great starting point for her,” she said. declared.
“We’ll keep snacking.”
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Ekenasio said she supported the 19-year-old to bounce back strongly.
“We knew it was going to be a really big game for her. You don’t know what it’s like to play against Australia until you play them,” she said.
“She learns quickly, she is also a sponge because she wants to learn so much.
“I was also really, really proud of her.
“She takes big hits in there (goal circle)…she’s awesome.
“She knows what she’s doing now. I can’t wait to see what she can do in the second game.
