2015 Netball World Cup: top four contenders clash early

By KERRYN HILDEBRAND

Netball World Cup organisers have redesigned the competition in what’s expected to have dramatic consequences on the results of the world’s four most dominant sides.

In past World Cups, Australia, New Zealand, England and Jamaica have found easy passage to the finals after being spilt into four separate pools.

But this year’s organisers paired Australia and New Zealand in Pool A and Jamaica and England in Pool B, promising a more physically demanding tournament for the powerhouses.

It’s also the first time 16-nation event has welcomed four African nations – South Africa, Zambia, Malawi and Uganda.

Uganda’s side needed to wash cars to fund their travel, highlighting inequity in sport funding in developing nations. Malawi also overcame a funding shortfall to qualify without proper indoor training facilities.

World netball chief Marne Fechner told The Australian there was unprecedented interest in the competition after a record 8500 tickets had been sold, dwarfing the expectations of organisers.

“We’re close to the tickets being exhausted and we’re working with corporate partners, and anyone who might have surplus tickets, to return them,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic result,” she added.

Australian Diamonds

Teams will struggle to beat an Australian side that is on a 19-match winning streak.

The Diamonds remain the netball powerhouse after winning nine of 13 World Netball Championships and three golds at the Commonwealth Games.

Australia’s depth on the bench is key to their dominance. Versatile defenders Julie Corletto, Sharni Layton and captain Laura Geitz are key assets who smother key shooters.

But Australia will miss crucial mid-court player Madi Robinson after she suffered an ACL injury.

Caitlin Bassett needs to dominate under goalpost against tough defenders in England and New Zealand.

New Zealand Silver Ferns

New Zealand is struggling to rebuild their shooting line-up after Irene van Dyk retired last year.

Coach Waimarama Taumaunu’s began rebuilding when she dropped veterans Catherine Latu, Joline Henry and Liana Leota and opted for unknown players.

But new goal-shooters Malia Paseka and Bailey Mes haven’t been maintained accuracy, leaving New Zealand vulnerable in tight contests.

While New Zealand is widely considered Australia’s biggest rival, the side hasn’t won the World Cup since 2003.

England Roses

Many commentators back England to win, but the side is destined to flop in finals if they haven’t matured since crumbling under pressure at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Veteran captain Geva Mentor needs to lead her side in tight contests, while remaining dominant at goalpost.

A five-season stint with Melbourne Vixens gives Mentor an advantage when she clashes with Australia.

But versatile defender Stacey Francis said teamwork was important for maintaining composure in key contests.

“Each team that we face will pose different challenges, and it’s ensuring that we stay together, we stick to game plan and we put out consistent performances,” she said.

Jamaican Sunshine Girls

Ball skills need to compensate for Jamaica’s slower style in clashes with Australia and New Zealand.

Jamaica – the competition’s youngest side – has a new defensive line-up that will struggle to last against attacking sides.

Former Australian coach Jill McIntosh has been key in helping the side recover after a devastating 21-point loss to England in the 2011 World Cup.

Goal shooters Romelda Aiken – 196cm – and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid –198cm – tower over opponents and will dominate up front.

Broadcast: Australia’s matches on Channel 10; all matches on Fox Sports from 9am.