Ten days out from the netball World Cup in Sydney, the Silver Ferns still have a fair bit of work to do, South African coach Norma Plummer reckons.
Plummer, who coached Australia to back-to-back World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011, has recently taken over at the helm for world No.6 South Africa.
The Proteas have just suffered two hefty losses to the Silver Ferns, beaten 68-44 in Hamilton on Sunday and 67-28 in Auckland on Tuesday.
Plummer's upbeat about the losses - after barely four weeks as coach, she wasn't expecting to spring any surprises against the well-drilled New Zealanders.
But she had a few pointed observations to make when asked about the Silver Ferns' chances of regaining the world title they last won 12 years ago.
Shooting stats loomed large in her reckoning - Maria Tutaia finished on 83 per cent and Jodi Brown 80 per cent on Tuesday, while Bailey Mes and Malia Paseka were both in the mid to late 70s.
"Their percentage has to lift higher on the shot," Plummer said.
"We didn't add the pressure Australia's going to add. That's not going to be such a walk in the park - I think they've still got a fair bit of work to do."
Plummer pointed out that Mes's superb rebounding was a key part of her game.
"Where she got most of her shots was on the rebound - she was missing a lot. When you get into the pressure games, and a skilled defence line, things will get a bit tougher.
"I wouldn't say it's a weak spot, but she's got to learn."
Plummer was impressed with the potential displayed by Auckland-born Paseka, who shifted with her family to Sydney as a seven-year-old and only returned to New Zealand three years ago.
"What about Paseka? She's an Aussie, of course," Plummer deadpanned.
"But what a fantastic talent. Wai (Taumaunu) needed to put them out tonight, the same as we did. You need to give the opportunity, but it doesn't happen overnight."
So when it comes to a World Cup winner, there's no doubt who Plummer's picking.
"I can't help but tip Australia, I think the depth in the whole team and where it's at is pretty strong."
Share
