Ferns forced ‘out of comfort zone’ by dominant Diamonds as focus shifts to game two

New Zealand coach Dame Noeline Taurua says her focus will be on winning more ball in Sunday’s game two against Australia after her side’s 10-goal loss last week.

The Silver Ferns were outplayed for much of the Constellation Cup contest at John Cain Arena on Thursday night, and restricted to just six goals in a dismal final quarter.

Taurua admitted she was disappointed in the 50-40 loss but took plenty away from the result.

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“Last time we were here we got spanked … not necessarily am I happy with the 10 (goal margin). Because we are not,” she said.

“But we’ll take the licking and get ourselves ready for game two in Brisbane.

“Margin, whether it’s one or 100 doesn’t make a difference – you either win or lose.

“We’ve got some young players out there – you can talk all you like … but we’ve got to get more ball.”

The Diamonds pulled in eight intercepts to the Ferns’ four and had four deflections for gains – while New Zealand had none.

Goal defender Phoenix Karaka was benched late in the second term as Diamonds Kiera Austin ran riot.

While Karin Burger was introduced, fellow defender Jane Watson didn’t see any game time in the series opener.

“I think we’ve got heaps more to give – which is not a great feeling for now,” Ferns skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio said.

“We can’t wait for game two. I want to get out there already.

“It’s just a couple little things … we just need to be a little bit bigger in those moments.”

The Ferns were able to keep Australia’s defenders without a rebound in a positive for the visitors – with four of their own offensively.

Two of those came from 192cm rookie Amelia Walmsley who was playing just her third Test.

But Walmsley was brought to the bench late in the match after being restricted to 21 goals in 51 minutes – including going goalless in the opening six minutes of the match.

“I was really impressed with how Sarah Klau entered the game as keeper (for Australia),” Fox Netball’s Bianca Chatfield said.

“She really suffocated Walmsley on the baseline, not giving her any space.

“They really put the Silver Ferns out of their comfort zone.”

Taurua said she had no doubt Walmsley would take lessons learnt from game one into the clash in Brisbane.

“Poor 19-year-old – these are the things you play against legends as such, but also those dreams that you have out there – it’s a great starting point for her,” she said.

“We’ll keep chipping away.”

Ekenasio said she backed the 19-year-old to rebound strongly.

“We knew this was going to be a real big game for her. You don’t know what it’s like to play Australia until you play them,” she said.

“She’s a fast learner, she’s a sponge as well because she’s so keen to learn.

“I was really super proud of her as well.

“She takes some big hits in there (goal circle) … she’s awesome.

“She knows what she’s up for now. Looking forward to what she can do in game two.”