New Zealand has trounced Malawi 75-42 in their opening Taini Jamison netball test in Auckland.
It was the Silver Ferns opening match of the Taini Jamison trophy which also features Jamaica and Fiji.
New Zealand looked to play the game at pace, at indication of the approach they will take into next month's Commonwealth Games and led 18-6 at the end of the first quarter.
But playing at pace also brought mistakes that while not costly against Malawi could prove crucial against the likes of Australia and England.
Grace Kara was named player of the match. Photo: Photosport
Malawi took time to settle with their combinations at the attacking end of the court struggling to gel with their feeding to the goal circle laboured.
Malawi improved in the second quarter but New Zealand continued to dominate extending their lead to 36-17 at the break.
Maria Folau replaced Bailey Mes at goal attack at halftime, with Folau working her way back to full fitness as she recovers from a patella tendon injury.
The Silver Ferns superior fitness began to tell in the third quarter as New Zealand extended their lead to 56-29 at three quarter time.
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson made her Silver Ferns debut. Photo: Photosport
The Northern Mystics defender and former New Zealand under-21 captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson made her Silver Ferns debut in the fourth quarter which also saw shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio make a return to international play after giving birth eight months ago.
While New Zealand outclassed Malawi, just how much improvement they have made since the disappointing Quad series in January they lost to both Australia and England won't be known until Thursday's match against Jamaica which will provide much tougher opposition.
In the evening's other game Jamaica thumped Fiji by 45 goals, 83-48.
-RNZ
