The performances in New Zealand could perhaps be forgiven a little.
But the alarm bells should be ringing loudly now. The Diamonds have lost four of their last five tests, much of that in convincing fashion.
Without trying to scapegoat individuals it seems clear that selection for the international calendar has been badly mishandled. The Diamonds look utterly toothless at both ends of the court really.
For a team with such a formidable recent international record, this is a devastating wake up call. Steph Fretwell, Gretel Bueta and Ash Brazill have absolutely not been adequately replaced and the Diamonds younger players look tentative and unsure of themselves.
There will need to be a serious inquest into what went wrong this international calendar.
