By Ashlee Tulloch
The Silver Ferns flew out to Melbourne today saying they believe they can get their hands on the Constellation Cup for the first time.
After losing 2-1 in 2010 when the series was introduced and 3-2 last year, this year they believe they've learned from what the Magic achieved against the Vixens in July.
And while the Silver Ferns will be dressed for success in their new uniform they know it'll take a little more than a new kit to topple the Diamonds.
“I put [the uniform] on back at home and it felt pretty good to be back in the black dress but as I say we've got confidence and strategies in place but we've just got to commit to it and believe in our strategies,” says captain Casey Williams.
The confidence and strategies come largely from the Magic's success when they won the ANZ championship in Melbourne against the Vixens in July.
And vice captain Laura Langman believes that win has not only given the Magic players the self-belief to beat the Diamonds at home, but the entire squad.
“The energy is certainly there we love Hisense Arena, we won in 2006 at Com games and obviously in ANZ, so a very good feeling,” says Langman.
And the team know if they are to pick up the Constallation Cup for the first time winning in Melbourne on Sunday is crucial.
“I think its going to be huge to win over their once and then two home matches here will be a big advantage for us,” says Williams.
But coach Waimarama Taumaunu knows the pressure is largely on them.
“Look we aim to win every time we go on court that’s what our indicators are about but in this series in particular in this first match it really is about getting a gauge of where we're at,” says Taumaunu.
And while it's a new combination in the mid court, Taumaunu likes what she's seen so far.
“It’s new, it’s inexperienced and its not Temepara but having said all those things there have been some magical moments at training,” she says.
So if they're able to bring that out on Sunday there’s bound to more happy faces when they return on Monday
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