16 Aug 2015

Nothing new from Silver Ferns in final

7:26 pm on 16 August 2015

There'll be no surprises from the Silver Ferns in Sunday's netball World Cup final against defending champions Australia at Sydney's Olympic Park.

Coach Waimarama Taumaunu says after seven unbeaten games, including their first win over the Diamonds in nearly two years, the New Zealanders simply know what they do best.

Silver Fern goal attack Maria Tutaia

Silver Fern goal attack Maria Tutaia Photo: PHOTOSPORT

It's been on display for the past 10 days and was in sublime action during yesterday's emphatic 50-39 win over world number 3 England.

Whether it was goal attack Maria Tutaia's deadly long-range bombs, Kayla Cullen's lightning-fast midcourt intercepts or skipper Casey Kopua's increasing delight in once again owning the defensive circle, the New Zealanders have honed their new game plan to perfection.

The indefatigable Laura Langman still drives the midcourt engine, with Grace Rasmussen her able lieutenant at wing attack.

But the Silver Ferns have resurrected and redefined their game around the superb aerial skills and fluid circle movement of Bailey Mes, fed by an endless supply of through-court turnover ball.

Taumaunu says the Silver Ferns have kept nothing in reserve while racking up hard-fought wins over Jamaica and Malawi in recent days.

"We've put everything on the floor so far and that will continue" she said.

The Silver Ferns' redeveloped strategy is built around the ball skills and court craft of the players, with Taumaunu taking some bold steps in axing a range of established players including shooter Cathrine Latu.

Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu

Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Taumaunu says the Ferns' victory over Australia in just their third game of the tournament had proven something of a double-edged sword.

"I think we just woke them up to the possibility that they might be beaten, which in a sense, perhaps it would have been better not to have done that.

"But for our campaign and our confidence, it was a good thing."

Taumaunu says that confidence has built with every game but she expects Australia to stretch it to the limit in the final.

"When you're playing good teams, you have to be prepared for them to come back at you," she said.

"Once you're on the courts, there's no secrets.

"Win or lose, we're going to put everything out on the court. It will still be a fight and we're not going to guarantee anything but we're going to do averaging we can to try and win a gold medal."

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