Phil Walter/Getty Images
New Zealand s Karin Burger attempts to be first to the ball against England s George Fisher in October’s Taini Jamison Trophy series. Of those 10 starts, just four have come at goal defence – a position Taurua has indicated she will see significant court-time in against Australia. Burger did start three games at goal defence in the last Constellation Cup held in 2019, playing the full match each time, experiences she would draw on. Comfortable sliding between wing defence and goal defence, the 27-year-old is content in either role, as long as she’s on court. Burger and goal keep Watson shape as the Ferns’ first-choice defensive combination against the Diamonds. Fitzpatrick, who was a standout for the Mystics last season, will naturally get her minutes too and could start some games as they look to manage the three players over the series.
Silver Ferns squad members form a huddle at a January training camp in Wellington.
New Zealand and Australia square off on the netball court this week, albeit with no crowds due to level 2, after the Covid-19 pandemic forced last year s series to be postponed. BRENDON EGAN looks at the juicy storylines.
Ferns’ chance to snap the drought? The Silver Ferns Constellation Cup record against Australia makes for grim reading. They have captured the trophy just once previously in 2012, since it was first contested in 2010. With Australia only scheduled to get out of managed isolation on Monday, the Ferns have a huge opportunity to start the series strongly and capitalise – if there is any quarantine rust from Australia. “That has been the message that has gone through with regard to where the Diamonds are and what they even have to do to get on court. We should take advantage of that,” Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said.
Constellation Cup: Claire Kersten goes from netball scrap heap to Silver Ferns centre stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.