Moment of truth arrives for Ferns

Maria Folau. Photo: Getty Images
Maria Folau. Photo: Getty Images
Now the real competition starts.

The Silver Ferns have cruised through the early days of the Netball World Cup. They have looked good doing it, too.

But there is only so much you can take out of thrashing Zimbabwe and Singapore.

Australia awaits tomorrow night and with it the first genuine challenge of the tournament.

The Malawi win was no doubt a good one, although that was more about vanquishing demons than making a statement.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Photo: Getty Images
Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Photo: Getty Images
In saying that, the speed wobbles that were evident at the Commonwealth Games seem to have disappeared.

Notably, the shooters have been accurate. The combination of Maria Folau and Ameliaranne Ekenasio in particular has looked strong.

Meanwhile, the defence is winning ball and the side has looked after it much better than in recent times.

But tomorrow night we see how much progress has really been made.

A win would be nice. But a competitive showing is what is really needed from the Silver Ferns - a performance to show they are in the running to take the title.

Courtney Bruce. Photo: Getty Images
Courtney Bruce. Photo: Getty Images

That will be massive from a confidence perspective and to give them genuine belief they are in form.

A semifinal, almost certainly against either England or South Africa, looms on Saturday. The final - should they make it - is a day later.

Having been genuinely pushed in just one game before that is not ideal - particularly given the question marks around this team for the past year.

On the other hand, England and South Africa have the benefit of a tough encounter with Jamaica, alongside playing each other.

Caitlin Bassett. Photo: Getty Images
Caitlin Bassett. Photo: Getty Images

However, you have to make the best of it and be capable of flicking a switch when it matters. Being able to translate dominance to the pressure a good team will apply is key.

Can the shooters still deliver at a high rate when defenders with the size and ability of Courtney Bruce are bearing down on them?

Will the defence be able to win ball against the size of goal shoot Caitlin Bassett?

Is the team going to be as slick with the ball going up against the physical Australian defence?

The Ferns may have not been at their most convincing against Zimbabwe. But do not read too much into that.

Whether you beat the minnows by 20, 40 or 60 does not always have a bearing on how you will fare against the top teams.

That indication comes when you play against the best.

After tomorrow night we will know.

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