The players have dealt with a lengthy wait for an ANZ Premiership broadcast deal<\/a>, changing Silver Ferns eligibility criteria<\/a> and the standing down of coach Dame Noeline Taurua<\/a>, in a saga dating back to January.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s series loss against England at home.<\/p>\n However, the Roses have won six consecutive third quarters against the Ferns, a problem area the side is refusing to shy away from.<\/p>\n Goal shoot Grace Nweke \u2013 who shot at 100% in test two \u2013 said their set piece play off the centre pass needs adjustment.<\/p>\n \u201cJust 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\u2019s going to go back, being able to play through that zone more effectively and efficiently is crucial for our group.\u201d<\/p>\n Nweke said they require greater direction and urgency.<\/p>\n \u201cThe fatigue is setting in and showing for our players, but we know that, and we still have to be able to play through that.\u201d<\/p>\n Nweke said they lost the game when England took the third quarter 19-13.<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a> \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it showed in those final moments, but there\u2019s still lots of positives, definitely room for improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n While the team has a few days to prepare for the decider, Nweke said they will not have time to train.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll do lots of video, we\u2019ll have a bit of a walking training, but it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Nweke said recovery will be huge for them.<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a long season … physically, emotionally, mentally, the girls are feeling it. So, one more game. We\u2019re equally excited to win that game as we are to see the season through.\u201d<\/p>\n Nathan Limm<\/a> 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<\/a> and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.<\/p>\nGrace Nweke shot with 100% accuracy in test two in London. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Grace Nweke: “It’s been a long season. Physically, emotionally, mentally, the girls are feeling it.” Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n