Silver lining to New Zealand netball’s loss to men’s side ahead of World Cup

A team of netballers few have ever heard of have taken two wins off the Silver Ferns ahead of the netball World Cup

• How to watch and follow the Netball World Cup
• Diamonds coach puts heat on England golden girls
• Diamonds learn lesson from Matildas’ loss

The Silver Ferns will go into their bid for netball redemption at the World Cup off a pair of losses after a team of netballers few have ever heard of inflicted two defeats on the New Zealand side.

Even impressive sharpshooting from veteran Maria Folau could not prevent the most recent loss in the battle of the sexes stoush on the weekend.

WORLD CUP: What Diamonds really think of NZ

MARIA FOLAU: Aussie captain on the controversy

The Ferns were taken down by an invitational New Zealand men’s side in a preliminary match and the decider of the netball series which also involved World Cup nation Fiji.

Maria Folau (L) takes the pass from Laura Langman (C) in the Silver Ferns loss to the New Zealand men’s team.

NEW POLICY: Why young Diamonds will shine

The historic series was designed to give the Silver Ferns, who last year missed a medal at the Commonwealth Games for the first time, a tough and physical workout ahead of the World Cup tournament.

Despite the 66-54 finals loss, which followed on from their earlier 54-50 defeat, coach Noeline Taurua, appointed in the wake of the Commonwealth Games disaster, said this objective was achieved.

Jane Watson on shooter Junior Levi.

Game a great workout for Silver Ferns

“There are some promising signs,” Taurua told New Zealand media.

“I thought the intent was amazing, they were positive and we just kept going and grinding.

“It’s a massive preparation for us leading into the worlds. It’s what we needed.

“I’m starting to settle on where combinations are and how individuals compliment each other … I’m really clear now about where we are individually and as a team.”

Folau shot 40 from 42 goals at 93 per cent in her 60 minutes of court time.

The Diamonds, bidding to defend the World Cup they won last in Sydney in 2015, played two training matches last week which included lining up a men’; s side.

“It just gives you that practice against physicality that you need,’’ coach Lisa Alexander said.

Her players are back with their Super Netball clubs before flying out to England later this week.

Originally published as Silver lining to New Zealand netball’s loss to men’s side ahead of World Cup