Trinidad and Tobago proved a much tougher and more rugged opposition than the Ferns met in their opening round clash against Barbados last night. The Ferns' composure and discipline was tested at times by some unsubtle defensive challenges by the spirited Caribbean side.
After struggling to adjust to Trinidad's aerial style and timing on the ball in the opening half, the Ferns looked much more comfortable over the second 30 minutes, turning a 12-goal halftime lead into a 74-38 win.
Ferns' midcourter Kayla Cullen, who along with Shannon Francois were the only players to play a full match, said it took a while to figure out how to combat the timing of their opponents.
"It was a bit of a patchy game, we started off quite slow and it seemed to take a while for us to click. But as the game progressed we kind of figured it out and were able to get a better flow on," said Cullen, who was nursing a cut to her hand after grazing the digital courtside advertising.
"It was quite an unorthodox style and a style we're not used to, but we kind of got used to their timing and their speed that the pass at as the match progressed."
Just as they were against Australia last night, Trinidad and Tobago were aggressive from the outset, challenging New Zealand in the air. The Ferns did not adjust well to the early intensity, making a string of early turnovers as Trinidad frustrated them into errors.
The Ferns led by just two goals late in the first period, but were able to stretch the lead out to four goals by the first break after a late turnover to Casey Kopua.
Stronger defensive structures in the second period saw the Ferns extend their lead to out to a more comfortable level by mid-way through the quarter, but their attack end still did not seem entirely settled.
But second-half Ferns line-up, which saw changes to each area of the court, made a much better fist of it, with the introduction of Laura Langman at centre and Maria Tutaia adding spark to the New Zealand attack.
After a shaky World Cup debut yesterday, Malia Paseka rebounded strongly today, looking a lot more comfortable on goal. New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu was much happier with her side's shooting effort today following a 76 per cent return in their 73-28 win over Barbados yesterday.
Three of the four shooters shot above 80 per cent, with Paseka a shade under at 78 per cent.
Australia beat Trinidad and Tobago 73-32 in last night's opening clash.
