New Zealand netball goal shoot Irene van Dyk. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Revenge for world championship heartbreak or kicking off a new four-year cycle on a positive note?
The Silver Ferns may be divided on their motivation to beat Australia in tomorrow's Constellation Cup test, but they are united on what it will take to do so: a major lift in intensity from their two wins over England this month.
The transtasman series comes during a time of readjustment for the Ferns.
They are beginning a new programme as they start the next four-year cycle, they are transitioning in a new coach, and have several new faces in the squad with key players missing through injury and retirement.
While the focus of the group is wanting to make a fresh start, for those who were in Singapore the wounds from that painful one-goal loss to Australia in the final are still raw and there is an element of wanting to set a few things right tomorrow.
Although it won't change the colour of the medal, it would help them head into the summer break with a bit more cheer.
Silver Ferns midcourter Joline Henry said with tomorrow's match being the first meeting between the two sides since that July night, revenge was always going to be a factor.
"If you ask any one of the girls who was at the world netball championships it still sits in their belly," she said. But Henry's opportunities may be limited tomorrow.
The formidable wing-defence has been restricted to light duties in training this week as she battles a groin strain.
While the Ferns' injury problems appear to be growing, Australia's casualty ward is clearing out.
The Diamonds have had a poor run of injuries in their defence end over the past month, with Susan Fuhrmann and Mo'onia Gerrard both missing the England series, while Laura Geitz and Julie Corletto both picked up niggly injuries during the tests. But Alexander is expecting to have her full defensive roster back on deck tomorrow.
The Diamonds will, however, be missing their captain and midcourt marshall Natalie von Bertouch, who was ruled out of the series with a foot injury.
Given the number of changes to the Australian line-up and their mixed performances during the England series, New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu said it was difficult to gauge where the Diamonds were heading in tomorrow's match.
Australia recorded two big wins over England in the first two tests of last week's series, but stuttered to a four-goal win in the final outing in Sydney.
Despite her side causing a few nervous moments in her third test in charge, Alexander said she was pleased with the way the team absorbed pressure at key stages to grind out the win.
The Constellation Cup is locked at 1-1, two games into a five-match series, with the Ferns and Diamonds sharing the spoils of the two tests played in New Zealand in June.
Silver Ferns v Aust
Burswood Dome, Perth
Tomorrow, 4.20pm
Live on Sky Sport 2
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