Australia may be through to tomorrow’s Quad Series final, but who they face will come down to the winner of this first-up England and New Zealand clash.
For New Zealand, the Silver Ferns have been the only side to get all playing 12 on the court each game to give coach Dame Noeline Taurua the best possible look at her depth.
But for England, their international netball fall from grace has continued.
Watch the 2023 Quad Series, Jan 22 Live & Free on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >
After failing to medal at their home Commonwealth Games – where they ended as reigning gold medallists, the Roses couldn’t find a win over the Diamonds in Australia.
Now they remain winless this Quad Series as coach Jess Thirlby’s continued team shuffles have not paid off in their loss to Australia and frantic draw with South Africa.
Thirlby’s call to bench young defender Funmi Fadoju in the loss to Australia certainly came under plenty of criticism, given Fadoju’s return to the court is what sparked the Roses’ final fightback.
RELATED
ROUND ONE: Wasteful Roses rocked as Diamonds fight back
ROUND TWO: Master coach’s move backfires as Diamonds seal win
MIRACLE DRAW: South African star marched off but six-player Proteas steal draw
While they remain winless this series, England have produced remarkable passages of play and led by as much as nine goals against the Diamonds and six goals against the Proteas.
But it’s their inability to consolidate a lead that has been the biggest cause for concern.
A win over New Zealand on Wednesday morning could change team morale heading into a World Cup year, and send them into the final against Australia.
Ex-England star Tamsin Greenway believes the Roses will be “frustrated” by their performances so far.
“It’s a tough one to discuss and frustrating because we are so good for long periods, but feels like we have some very BIG Qs still to answer,” she posted online.
Eleanor Cardwell is set to return for the Roses after she missed the draw with South Africa as a precaution, alongside veteran Jade Clarke.
Diamonds edge past Kiwis to secure final | 01:27
Jo Harten won’t feature for England after returning to Australia given her knee injury is worse than first feared.
For New Zealand, victory over the Roses will give them another crack at the Diamonds after coming away with a narrow two-goal loss on Monday morning.
But the Ferns were able to completely change up their line up against Australia in that round match in promising signs for what’s to come.
