Standing ovation for Ferns

MICHAEL BRADLEY

DETERMINATION: Silver Ferns Laura Langman in action against Australia in Wellington during the second trans-Tasman test.

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Wellington was treated to a champagne performance from the Silver Ferns last night and Australia were left lying on the canvas.

The ruthless 59-40 victory has given the Silver Ferns a massive shot of confidence ahead of the defence of their Commonwealth Games gold medal in New Delhi next month.

It also levels the best-of-three series at 1-1 and Australia's 48-43 win in Adelaide on Sunday is now a distant memory. Game three is in Auckland on Sunday.

It will take an almighty effort for Australia to bounce back after a Ferns performance that deserved – and received – a standing ovation.

Such was New Zealand's dominance, comfortably winning all four quarters, that netball trainspotters were reaching for the record books in search of the Silver Ferns' biggest win against the old enemy. That was in 2005, and while the 25-goal margin then was never seriously threatened, Australia's usually steely confidence might be.

Australia actually shot better than New Zealand, missing just eight shots compared with 18, but the visitors were crippled by a whopping 34 turnovers.

Australia coach Norma Plummer watched on aghast as the rout unfolded while opposite Ruth Aitken cut the contented figure of a Cheshire cat.

Both teams made changes from the first test in Adelaide, with Anna Scarlett starting ahead of Katrina Grant in New Zealand's defence and Catherine Cox and Kimberlee Green handed starting bibs for Australia.

The Silver Ferns made a nervous start, with Maria Tutaia and Irene van Dyk both missing their opening shots. But they quickly settled and some uncharacteristic Australian errors allowed the Ferns to open up a 16-11 advantage at the opening break. New Zealand were more energetic, more intense in their work than the flat Australians and were invariably first to each loose ball and 50-50 rebound.

Plummer reacted by introducing first-test hero Susan Fuhrmann to the fray but the 1.96m "Fuhrmannator" was unable to stem the flow and Plummer was forced to call an early timeout as the lead blew out to 24-14.

Surely, one thought, the Australians would claw their way back, but instead the lead continued to grow and grow.

After a scratchy opening, Tutaia started finding her confidence and shooting range, propelling the home side to a 31-19 halftime lead with Australia reeling from a turnover count now reading 15.

Aitken could have kept her foot on the throat but she chose to bring on Daneka Wipiiti and her colourful shoes for van Dyk. New Zealand had the momentum of a runaway train and marched on to a 45-30 lead heading into the final term.

Both coaches cleared their benches in the final quarters.

- © Fairfax NZ News