@TB respectfully agree. NZ has brought out the best in Ekenasio.
NZ coaches were going through a phase of selecting a few eligible players that were a little head scratching, in what was interpreted to be “grab them so they can’t then play for Australia” (e.g. Watts? And there was a WD who played for Perth Orioles/Fever).
Does anyone recall an interview Ekenasio did a few years ago? I found it fascinating. Eke said one of the main differences between the Diamonds and SF systems was Australia had a “style” of play and players were selected based on how well they fit and contributed to that style, and (in not so many words) that style was replicated down the SSN and representative level. The SF selected the best players in each position and created a game plan that used that talent and skill to best outcome.
I think what’s interesting now is that the story appears to have flipped – all the commentary about Noeline’s “process” and formulaic game style and players not being selected that don’t fit the style vs the Diamonds being able to play a variety of styles by putting out players and combinations with different skills and styles. I think the biggest change to Diamonds playing styles is in the defence end; switching up one-one, box, even zone defence albeit nowhere near as intimidating as SF zone defence.
