Silver Ferns ruthless as title defence starts

CAPE TOWN – It was business as usual for the New Zealand’s Silver Ferns starting their title defence on a high at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town.

The Down Under giants showed a ruthless side when they opened the 2023 Netball World Cup campaign against Trinidad & Tobago, winning the match 76-27.

Noeline Taurua’s charges came to South Africa as favourites having won the recent Quad Series that was held at the same venue in January this year.

Dominating the first half over the Caribbean nation, Silver Ferns were leading 43-11 at the interval in their Pool D match in the Main Court.

However, things went from bad to worse for Trinidad & Tobago – after New Zealand strengthened its dominance until the final whistle.

Full time

NZ 76-27 Trinidad & Tobago

Tonga 56-51 Fiji #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/fdOTOciKXt

— Ayanda Frances Felem (@AyandaFelemZA) July 28, 2023

“I am happy with the start, I think we were quite dominant from the very beginning. But I would not say it was easy – however I am happy with how we have approached the game from the very beginning,” said Taurua.

“All the teams come to the world to win  and we don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on us. The fact that we know the court and are familiar with it has also helped a lot.

“Being here in January in the Quad Series and playing in the same venue gave us an advantage in knowing the court better than our opponents and definitely being here has helped.”

Even though the main court has a 5000 capacity, the first match saw a fair turnout on Friday morning.

Silver Ferns will face Uganda on Saturday at 09:00.

New Zealand coach press conference after ruthless win over Trinidad and Tobago. #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/awltf5K2Vf

— Ayanda Frances Felem (@AyandaFelemZA) July 28, 2023

“I am looking forward to playing Uganda again, a tough side who knows how to give a fight. We won’t take them lightly,” she said.

“They have a fantastic style and they know how to throw a club away which makes it difficult to play against them”

Friday schedule:

Results: