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Naomi Baker / Getty Images
Mainland Tactix center Kimiora Poi has led the way in Silver Ferns aptitude tests during her camp in Wellington.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua is pleased that her message about fitness expectations has finally reached players, ahead of next week’s Cadbury Netball Series at Palmerston North.
The super coach has been very strict about fitness in her first two years at the helm, but was happy to report on Wednesday that aerobic levels are the highest in 10 years, despite the ANZ Premiership ending seven weeks ago. .
Taurua also declared shooters Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Te Paea Selby-Rickit available for selection for the four-team tournament despite the pair struggling in the second of two two-day camps in Wellington.
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Mainland Tactix center Kimiora Poi led the way in the yo-yo tests, with an impressive score of 20, well above Taurua’s minimum standard of 16.3.
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“In fact, we are in the best yo-yo that we have been in the last 10 years, so I am very happy with the physical level,” said Taurua.
“Now we just have to connect that netball brain with court strategy and, obviously, desire. Obviously it is the first step forward and we are improving from the first camp.
Naomi Baker / Getty Images
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua has been impressed by the overall fitness level of her team.
“They have come out ahead and have actually improved and worked hard. There are people who are below the target, but I am very happy to say that they have changed a lot and that at this moment we are the fittest team in the last 10 years, and I could not be happier. “
More than 40 players have arrived in the capital as preparations continue to mount for the national series at Palmerston North next Wednesday and, more importantly, the three-round series against England in Hamilton a week later.
Despite naming a contracted roster of 16 players following the conclusion of the ANZ Premiership final in August, Taurua planned to select just 15 for the national series, three of whom will be released to play for New Zealand development or teams. Under-21 throughout the tournament.
Newcomer Maddy Gordon is still eligible to play for the Under-21 team, but Taurua said she was undecided about whether she will keep Central Pulse’s dynamic wing attack on the Silver Ferns.
“All places are at stake and that is the beauty of the environment we are creating. You have to bring it on the day and the competition will be fierce, ”he said.
Ekenasio has struggled with a minor Achilles problem during camp, but Taurua was relatively confident that both her captain and Selby-Rickit, the other player under a slight cloud of injuries, will be able to enter the court at Fly Palmy Arena somehow. .
“We have been able, due to the numbers, to manage them, but they will be ready to enter the field.”
