By Ashlee Tulloch
The Silver Ferns were back training at home today ahead of their second Constellation Cup game against Australia in Auckland on Thursday.
Having clinched the first game in Melbourne by two goals, the Ferns are bracing themselves for the inevitable Aussie backlash.
“They are going to come out firing,” says Silver Ferns goal shoot Irene van Dyk. “They would be hurting after the game, especially us beating them on their home soil.”
It's been eight years since the Ferns beat the Australians in a three-Test series, and coach Waimarama Taumanu is eager to wrap up the Constellation Cup in two days’ time.
“One of the big things we wanted to get out of this series is consistent performances, so back-to-back wins would be a real measure for us being able to pull out a consistent performance,” says Taumaunu.
Questions still loom over Casey Williams’ knee injury, and despite the wee stumble there are positive signs, with her participating in training today.
“I feel pretty good this morning but I guess we load and then we see how it feels,” says Williams. “And if we can load more we go ahead, but I'm praying that it will be right. I'm praying that it will be right.”
Williams was not the only concern for Taumanu after Sunday's bruising encounter.
“There are aches and bruises and all sorts come out of Australia matches, and I’m sure they'll have the same thing, so we just need to manage and monitor them,” says Taumaunu.
After a stunning display in the circle on Sunday, shooters van Dyk and Maria Tutaia are expecting a lot more attention from the Diamonds’ defence.
“We might have to change our game-plan and our playing structure for Thursday just to make sure that they don't read us too well,” says van Dyk. “I think we've got it sorted. There's no complacently in this team.”
A record crowd of close to 9000 is expected at Vector Arena to cheer on the Ferns, who are looking for a stellar performance as they seek to lift the Constellation Cup for the first time.
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