The players have dealt with a lengthy wait for an ANZ Premiership broadcast deal, changing Silver Ferns eligibility criteria and the standing down of coach Dame Noeline Taurua, in a saga dating back to January.
Despite all this, New Zealand have swept South Africa in the Taini Jamison series, taken Australia to extra time in the Constellation Cup, crushed Scotland 2-nil and now have a chance to avenge last year’s series loss against England at home.
However, the Roses have won six consecutive third quarters against the Ferns, a problem area the side is refusing to shy away from.
Grace Nweke shot with 100% accuracy in test two in London. Photo / Photosport
Goal shoot Grace Nweke – who shot at 100% in test two – said their set piece play off the centre pass needs adjustment.
“Just not being able to get that depth or that first and second has been a real big issue. Forcing that ball back, and if it’s going to go back, being able to play through that zone more effectively and efficiently is crucial for our group.”
Nweke said they require greater direction and urgency.
“The fatigue is setting in and showing for our players, but we know that, and we still have to be able to play through that.”
Nweke said they lost the game when England took the third quarter 19-13.
Grace Nweke: “It’s been a long season. Physically, emotionally, mentally, the girls are feeling it.” Photo / Photosport
“I think the lack of key crucial moments, just initiative or confidence or being able to take the nuggets and be coached through the game was quite challenging.
“I think it showed in those final moments, but there’s still lots of positives, definitely room for improvement.”
The Silver Ferns had the unique challenge of playing tests on consecutive days. Nweke said they will take confidence from producing a full 60 minutes in each, given minimal changes in game two.
While the team has a few days to prepare for the decider, Nweke said they will not have time to train.
“We’ll do lots of video, we’ll have a bit of a walking training, but it’s more just that little 1% at the top, that fine-tuning piece, understanding little moments that we can improve on, and hopefully those incremental wins will get us through to this next game.”
Nweke said recovery will be huge for them.
“It’s been a long season … physically, emotionally, mentally, the girls are feeling it. So, one more game. We’re equally excited to win that game as we are to see the season through.”
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.