My two cents, FWIW, I’ve just found time to watch test two.
Jamaica varied their lineup which not only gave us something new but gave their coaches good headaches. The takeaway from that test is how good Latanya is and that she’s really on top of the netball world at this point. She’s only 23 (I think), golden age ahead for Jamaica. It’s interesting that the Jamaican athletes show both flair and clinical Australian tactics, most noticeably Latanya with her incisive line to the ball but also freakish coverage of backspace. In some moments, it makes me think of Pretorius, Liz Ellis’ favourite freak.
The coverage was better this time, for example there were actual replays, although the focus was very strongly Jamaican and commentators kept calling South African players the same incorrect name, for example, as far as I can tell Visser started at GD and moved to GK but was called Retief at GK. I must admit I was confused and I find it hard to know who is who from this distance.
Van Wyk (SA GD) has impressed me, and Nketsa (C). Maseko (GA) we can take as read as being brilliant. I think Chawane as captain is so good because her turnovers (WA) are low and she’s experienced and a steadying influence. I remember when she was an irrepressible WD, she’s matured really well. I don’t have any stats, sorry. There were some moments bring the ball through in transition and from defence to circle edge that were poetic. Good mental fitness from SA.
The Jamaican midcourt is always interesting. At this point it’s impossible to decide on WA, Grierson (new player) or Williams (veteran). I think Kadijah (Williams) (let’s face it, she’s been my favourite for years) played better coming off the bench; you can read this as her wanting to prove herself, but for my mind it’s about fitness and timing, Williams is shorter and less speedy but more crafty and creative, if Grierson keeps doing the basics well it’s a good semi-planned switch when they need it. For centre, Adean Thomas nailed it today. Thomas is so reliable, and Crystal Plummer is a wildcard – I guess that’s another swap that coach S-G Henry has to make at the right time.
I thought Jok was better today, and Jamaica overall was more in their groove. Cleary got a debut at GS for about 7 mins, I didn’t see enough to comment, maybe I thought Gordon (test 1) was slightly better with availability, Cleary did shoot with confidence.