Keep it moving
Sometimes it feels as if it is a bit of a slog to get the ball through the court for the Silver Ferns.
Treasuring the ball is crucial, but so is having good flow through the court. That starts with players doing their pre-movements, having options to the ball and having the confidence to let the ball go.
Maddy Gordon showed how direct they can be when she got depth on second phase and let the ball go from wing attack in their final game against Scotland.
Grace Nweke can be dominant when you give her the ball. Kate Heffernan has also given the long ball in, which has been effective.
Get more ball
It feels the Silver Ferns have been a little quiet on the gain ball this year. There have been glimpses, but sustained pressure is needed to allow the defenders to really have a fly. They had 28 deflections without a gain in the two tests against the Thistles, and if they can turn those into points, it really puts the pressure on the opposition.
Otherwise, the Roses, who are ranked No 4 in the world, will pick up the loose balls and punish the Ferns. Karin Burger, Kelly Jackson and Kate Heffernan are all proven ball winners - and Catherine Hall has been a great impact as well - but they just need more. If they can start to really mount the pressure to get more ball then that bodes well as they build towards a big 2026 international season.
Limit the weapons
Helen Housby will burn teams with her court craft and shot if given room to breathe. Pair that with Eleanor Cardwell at the back and the Roses are hard to shut down.
The Silver Ferns need to get on top early and put the pressure over the shot. Defenders have to tighten up, especially on Housby, who will drive the Roses’ attack end.
If they can limit the supply of ball to her early, it will give the Silver Ferns a better chance of getting on top. Nweke will be able to offer rare insight for her defenders, having shared the circle with Housby at the NSW Swifts this season.
Cardwell will be wanting some big performances after missing the entire domestic season with the Melbourne Mavericks after knee surgery.
