By Ross Karl
Two fresh faces are helping the Silver Ferns rebound from their 20-goal drubbing to Australia.
Jodi Brown and Camilla Lees have rejoined the squad in Wellington after missing the Australian leg of the quad series because of family and study commitments.
They're hoping to help lift the team for Thursday’s match against England.
Packing bags and lifting spirits have been on Brown’s agenda.
“Yeah it was a strange feeling coming in yesterday because I was all excited to be with the team, but they'd just got off a plane from a 20-goal loss,” she says.
The goal attack struggled to handle watching the Ferns fall apart on Sunday, as their attack conceded 27 turnovers against Australia.
“I think I found myself sliding down on my couch further and further every time there was another mistake, so I think the girls know it was uncharacteristic and they know what to do come Hamilton when we play them again.”
But first comes England, who have only beaten New Zealand three times in 78 games. They're searching for 60 minutes of pressure after pushing the Ferns until the fourth quarter of last week's 61-43 loss.
England captain Pamela Cookey says the team is looking at what they did right.
“We're still trying to figure this one out ourselves because you can see there are times when we can do it and we know we've got it in us, but it's getting everything together to work as one and be more confident with each other.”
So to prepare well for Australia next week, the Ferns plan to suffocate England.
“How long they stick with you is determined by how we play as a unit,” Brown says. “If we can go out on Thursday and really dominate from the start, they won't have a look in.”
After their game packed up on Sunday, Brown and the Silver Ferns plan to prove a point by putting England away on Thursday.
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