Netball World Cup 2023: What is the Diamonds best combination and can they go all the way?

The Diamonds have had four matches to kickoff their World Cup campaign, now the real tests begin. So how do the Aussies take down an enemy they know all to well? Liz Watson weighs in.

And now the real challenge begins.

But after what has essentially been a warm-up for the top nations - England, New Zealand and Jamaica included - the business end of the World Cup is here.

The next three games are what Stacey Marinkovich has been preparing her squad for since her first outing with them in 2021.

The Diamonds sailed through their opening four games of the tournament before being offered a challenge by Malawi, although even that game ended with a 24-goal victory for the Aussies.

They face what is essentially a quarter-final on Thursday, lining up against England in a match that will determine seedings for the semis and perhaps, an “easier” path to the final.

A loss to the Roses will not end Australia’s campaign and as they showed in the Commonwealth Games last year, they have the ability - mentally and physically - to recover from a loss and get back on track.

A victory is likely to mean they avoid Jamaica in the semi-finals, although they will have to beat the Sunshine Girls and the Silver Ferns to win the World Cup.

We sat down for an exclusive chat with Diamonds captain Liz Watson to analyse the rest of the tournament.

Helen Housby of England during the Netball World Cup 2023

ENGLAND

After five games in the opening five days of the World Cup, the Diamonds had a rest day on Wednesday ahead of the clash against England.

Watson said the freshen-up would do them the world of good ahead of the pointy end of the competition, as had the tough hitout against Malawi - a game that was tied at halftime.

“I think it was the perfect game for us leading into what’s to come - just to be comfortable with that grind, getting used to teams going goal for goal with you and then coming back, the momentum swings - all the little things we speak about, we saw it (against the Queens),” Watson said.

“Everyone’s just so eager to get into the next day and face England, it’s going to be really exciting.”

Australia is particularly familiar with several members of the Roses camp given their time in Super Netball, or like Chelsea Pitman, coming through the Australian pathway.

While it could be argued their experience in Super Netball has strengthened them, it has also made the Aussies aware of their strengths.

“I think for us to know how to play against them (is key),” Watson said.

“We see Sarah (Klau) plays on Helen (Housby) every week at (NSW Swifts) training as well, so she’s got that - Helen does too, I guess,” Watson said.

“But once you get into this environment it’s who can do it the best for the longest, over 60 minutes.

“(Having those players in Super Netball) has definitely made us stronger and more analytical of what we have to do.”

Breaking the connection between the midcourt and form England shooters Eleanor Cardwell and Housby will be key if the Aussies are to win on Thursday.

“Once we get down to playing teams with big shooters, it’s obviously going to be full court defence and how long can we hold the ball up,” Watson said.

Romelda Aiken-George of Jamaica during the Netball World Cup 2023

NEW ZEALAND

The Silver Ferns headed into the tournament as defending champions and were flying early before star goal shooter Grace Nweke was forced out with a knee injury.

While they have been able to call in reserve goaler Tiana Metuarau, Watson said the loss of the Quad Series MVP was a massive blow.

“I wouldn’t say it weakens them but I think it’s going to shift their game play a little bit,” she said.

“You could tell they’ve been really building Grace up for this moment and for this tournament.

“Every Test match prior to this she was there - she was playing full games. I remember back to Quad Series and Constellation Cup a couple of years ago, she was still a little bit raw but you can see how much she’s grown.

“I think New Zealand have really wanted her primed for this moment, so it’s obviously a big loss for her and the team but they’ve got experience there.”

Marinkovich said canny Ferns mentor Noeline Taurua would have “plans A-Z” in place to cover for Nweke’s loss and Watson expects the Diamonds’ great rivals to “find a way”.

“It’s probably going to change up their game plan a little bit not having that tall goal shooter back there and probably a little bit more of a moving circle but it’s really sad actually for Grace. We feel for her,” Watson said.

“But they’ve obviously got so much depth and pride, so they’ll find a way too.”

JAMAICA

While England is in Australia’s side of the draw and New Zealand has played mainly in the morning session just before or after the Diamonds, Jamaica has flown somewhat under the radar, with many of their preliminary matches on the smaller capacity Cape Town International Convention Centre court.

But Marinkovich has been challenging her players to start thinking about the upcoming games and the all of the Sunshine Girls’ efforts are loaded onto their laptops, including their tournament-leading 105-25 victory against Sri Lanka.

With six of the Jamaican players turning out in Super Netball - seven if reserve goaler Shimona Nelson is included - the Diamonds are again familiar with their style of play, something Watson said was critical.

“I think the Jamaican defence, when you haven’t experienced that before, it is quite a shock the first time,” she said.

“I think that’s what happened to New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games last year was that initial shock and they were just not used to it.

“Of course (the Jamaicans) obviously know how we play as well but I think we’ve seen through SSN (Super Netball), teams being able to dissect their game plan and how to actually beat their strengths.

“I look at someone like Jamie (Price) and the Giants, they’ve had really good games against Adelaide and been able to carve up their defence (featuring Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson), so we’ve definitely taken things from SSN and what we can bring.”

While Jhaniele Fowler is widely regarded as the best shooter in the world, Courtney Bruce players on her every day at Fever training, while the Diamonds will rely on the relentless full court defensive pressure that eventually broke Malawi down to try and prevent the ball from even getting to her.

Adean Thomas of Jamaica and Shanice Beckford of Jamaica

BRING IT ON

Overall, Watson said the feeling in the Diamonds camp was one of excitement at what was to come over the next few days.

“We’ve had some really solid wins on the scoreboard but there’s been patches where we’re like, that’s not our behaviours, that’s not how we want to play,” Watson said of cutting out things like low percentage passes or slow starts they know they cannot afford against their great rivals.

“But that’s just us pushing our standards and always wanting to be better. So just seeing the positives in it too (is important).

“Everyone’s out there on court, we’re swapping combinations all the time and we’re still pushing 70 or 80 goals which is really good - so we’re happy.”

And they’re ready to take whatever path they need to, to challenge for the only trophy missing from their cabinet.

“I think everyone’s just ready. Everyone’s feeling good, injury free, touch wood,” she said.

“We’ve all had a really big training block and we’re here and I think everyone’s just excited and going for it.”

Originally published as Netball World Cup 2023: What is the Diamonds best combination and can they go all the way?