Netball's top four remain low-key

None of four top teams at the netball World Cup are keen to be seen as favourites, not even defending champions Australia.

Two days out from the netball World Cup, and nobody wants to be the favourite.

Not England, not even after single-goal losses to New Zealand and Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games last year.

Not Jamaica, who took bronze in Glasgow and have two lethal strike weapons in towering shooters Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.

Not new-look New Zealand, bedding in a fresh, dynamic shooting circle after years of Irene van Dyk's domination at the back post.

And, oddly, not Australia, who last lost the title in 2003 to New Zealand and haven't been beaten by the Kiwis in nearly two years.

Despite a familiar feel to the Diamonds' line-up, captain Laura Geitz isn't happy with suggestions Australia are sure-fire winners.

"Everyone's saying we're the favourites, and I don't think that sits well with anyone, to be honest," she said.

"Every time New Zealand pulls on that black dress, they're a team that means business.

"I think they've got some great depth now in the team, there's versatility, and there's a different style of play we haven't seen."

England captain Geva Mentor says New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu deserves credit for making some tough decisions.

"All applause to Wai, she's given the other nations - ourselves, Australia and Jamaica - something else to think about. I think it's going to be a new dynamic in that attack end for New Zealand, and I think it will be a challenge for us."

Mentor says the Silver Ferns have lost some predictability.

Their trademark fast break on turnover transition is still there, but there's a degree of uncertainty around the shooting circle.

"As a goal keeper at the back, the last thing you want to see is a whole load of black dresses flying towards you," she said.

"When we're on attack, if we do happen to lose it, it's making sure we recoup on that transition back into defence and put that pressure on."

Jamaica captain Nicole Aiken-Pinnock says her team weren't satisfied with bronze at the Commonwealth Games.

"We could see where we could have done so much better. We've gone back and put in some hard work on and off the court, and at the World Cup we'll be showing off different skills and a different style of play."


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Source: AAP


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