22 Oct 2015

Silver Ferns confident of turning series around

5:00 pm on 22 October 2015

The Silver Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu is confident her side can turn around their first test loss and win the Constellation Cup series.

The Diamonds lead the four test series 1-0 after their 50-44 first-Test win in Christchurch.

The second test is in Auckland tonight and Taumaunu knows if they are to overturn that first result they can't afford to give up as much possession as they did on Tuesday night.

"I don't think is anything decided yet by any means," she said. "I was pleased with the way we stayed in touch, pleased with the way we came back - disappointed we didn't score off all of the gains we did get, and that's where we need to tidy up. But it's challenging to tidy up against a team the quality of Australia."

Taumaunu was again impressed by the performance of the relatively inexperienced Bailey Mes and Mes believes they don't have to make too many improvements to level the series.

Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes battles with Australian defenders Laura Geitz (right) and Claire McMenniman.

Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes battles with Australian defenders Laura Geitz (right) and Claire McMenniman. Photo: Photosport

"Across the court I think it was good that we stood up to their physicality the entire game because in the past we've been known to fall away and not be able to stand up to it....so if we can stop letting in a few goals and gain a few of our own by converting the ball the defenders get for us we will be on the right track," said Mes.

Tonight's match will be Taumaunu's last in charge of the Silver Ferns in New Zealand, as she is stepping down from the coaching role at the end of the series.

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