-
AuthorPosts
-
New Zealand 57-36 England: Silver Ferns take dominant win to set up Taini Jamison Trophy decider
That was just luck they won with Walmaley, it could’ve gone either way. They didn’t win because she was in court and they could’ve won if Wilson was playing. The whole team lifted.
How good to see the ferns play like this! When I saw the starting line up I thought WTF – especially not starting Burger, but I can’t fault the plan.
I also disagree that Whalmsley wasn’t a massive difference- as good as Maia is, the germs have so much more confidence with a tall GS. It reminds me of the diamonds a few years ago when Thwaites was ‘impressive’ but for some reason Aussie just all played sooo much better when Bassett was on court. It’s the release valve they provide which helps grow the confidence I think.
Walmsley made a huge difference. Provided a target which gave them confidence. Sure, still a lot to work on in her game, but she is only 19 and played what one year of ANZC? I’d expect inconsistency from her at this point both within a game and match to match.
A future shooting lineup of Ekenasio, Walmsley, Nweke and Samason would be phenomenal.
I wish England threw in Alice Harvey in the second game to see how the Ferns midcourt would’ve reacted having someone taller then Walmsley defend her (unless they’re gonna unleash her as their secret weapon ????)
On the other hand, the Ferns were more hungry this time and I expect to see a fired up Roses squad for Game 3.
Walmsley is taller than Harvey, albeit by only 2cm. Walmsley is the same height as Jury so will have both trained and played against tall defence.
I am so glad Noel’s left the 7 on court to play the whole game. It is so important to let these players ride it all out and build on combinations even when they get tired. I hope to see the same starting seven next game to back it up.
Also, big ups to MRB. She’s been one of my favourite players since the NWYC and her hunger and passion on court is so evident. Few turnovers towards the end but still a young player whom will learn from this.
I don’t think we should rule out Maia just yet – she’s a powerhouse and such a talent. Hope she gets some solid feedback to implement if/when she is needed.
Welcome back Ferns, I’d love to know what DNT said in the debrief. I think the difference was/were MRB and Gordon. They were both hungary and it showed they were given a chance and they grabbed it with both hands. AW was solid and she played the role of a tall holding shooter very well, the way Wilson did when she burst onto the scene. But IMO she’s not a stand and whole shooter anymore and she needs to be paired with a GA who can complement that. MRB plays with Wilson so I think she would have fed her better.
Roses took too long to warm up in this game. Adio was too tight on AW, hence the high penalty count. It would have been nice to see Harvey but she needs to improve her footwork. Vicki O played GK all last season and she was very, very good. Roses could put her back but we don’t have another GD.
Should be a great deciding game,
– will we see Wilson at GA
– a Burger and Watson combo
– Ratty at C
– Jury at WD
:unsure: :unsure: B-)Silver Ferns respond with important bounce back win in the capital, but with Australia looming next month, still aren't where they need to be. https://t.co/HKQ1YkgIk8
— Stuff Sport (@NZStuffSport) September 28, 2023
GA is certainly where we are lacking depth- Heffernan and malesala are both in front of tiana for me, but we do love to take an Aussie whose been looked over and grow them into world class GA’s so maybe samason will be the answer!
Another thing I noticed was how outstanding Kate Heffernan’s defence is back at Wd- I know Taurua was trying to build a spine with Kate in a centre, and perhaps she will eventually be like langman and grow into the position, but right now Gordon looks so much more natural there.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.