Netball Diamonds under pressure to perform in Quad Series ahead of World Cup defence

They have the leg-up on their rivals for a spot at the World Cup mid-year, but touring Diamonds players are under their own pressure to perform during the Quad Series in the UK.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

less than 2 min read

January 13, 2019 - 7:00PM

Maria Folau of New Zealand and Courtney Bruce of Australia challenge for the ball during the Constellation Cup last year.

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They have the leg-up on their rivals for a spot at the World Cup mid-year, but touring Diamonds players are under their own pressure to perform during the Quad Series in the UK.

With their first game early Monday morning, Diamonds players have been told they will all be held accountable for their actions in the series coach Lisa Alexander says is crucial for Australia to dominate.

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After Monday’s match against South Africa, Australia will play New Zealand and England in the Diamonds final international outing before the World Cup in Liverpool in July.

Phumza Maweni of the Proteas challenges Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett during the last Quad Series. Bassett is out injured for the 2019 rematch.

Alexander has told players the World Cup team will be selected on form with a number of others players not making the touring side still in consideration.

Any hiccups in the Quad Series could prove fatal for a players World Cup aspirations.

“Everyone here will be held accountable,’’ Alexander said. “They must perform.

“We’ll be naming the team in May and as usual, it will be a form based team.’’

Australia are the current Quad Series and World Cup holders.

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Alexander says winning in the UK this month will do much to boost the confidence of players tasked with defending their world crown in July.

“This team is about winning. That’s what we are always going after,’’ Alexander said.