30 Aug 2010

Aussie coach uses secret weapon to down Silver Ferns

6:26 am on 30 August 2010

The Australian netball coach Norma Plummer says she'll keep giving up secrets if it keeps giving her Test victories over New Zealand.

Plummer's Diamonds recorded a five-goal triumph over their arch rivals in the first Test of a three-match series in Adelaide last night.

Australia prevailed 48-43, with Plummer unveiling a formerly secret weapon - giant West Australian defender Susan Furhmann.

Plummer had no doubt the 23-year-old goal defence was the decisive factor in the series opener before more than 8500 spectators at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The 196cm tall West Australian allowed champion New Zealand shooter Irene van Dyk just four shots - and only two of those were converted.

Fuhrmann's quelling of the Silver Ferns' threat enabled Australia to score 10 of the final 15 goals of the game.

The series culminates with Tests in Wellington on Thursday and Auckland next Sunday.