The result did not augur well for their annual trans-Tasman series against world champions Australia, but the outcome wasn’t the only concern.
The NZ women knew they were playing nowhere near their capability and, after some collective soul searching, decided to draw a line in the sand.
“It was a really tough time for us,” admitted captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio. “We felt super frustrated as a group, we felt like we weren’t reaching our full potential at all… we weren’t even scratching it.
“We had some tough conversations about what it would take to get us there, because we were hitting it in training, but it wasn’t quite coming into games.”
Three weeks later, the same squad is celebrating the almost unthinkable — three straight double-figure victories over the Diamonds, including an 18-point drubbing across the ditch, to wrap up the Constellation Cup for only the third time with a game remaining.
“For us, it was about being really honest with each other, but really, it was about how much we can have each other’s backs and how much we can back each other out there,” said Ekenasio. “It seems really simple, but that honestly just flicked the switch for us.
“It wasn’t like we’ve drastically changed anything out on court, it’s how we’ve approached each other and how we’ve had each other’s backs.
“It’s real crazy, but it’s been the biggest shift for us.”
Since coach Dame Noeline Taurua lured some of the game’s greatest players out of retirement to win the 2019 World Cup, the Kiwis have shown glimpses, but struggled to find the right personnel and chemistry to replace them. They finally seem to be re-emerging from the gloom.
Since winning the Constellation Cup in 2021, New Zealand have lost two tied series on points difference, simply unable to win — or even finish close — across the Tasman. That changed with a 33-17 second-half blitz at Perth that seemed to crush the spirit of the usually rampant Aussies.
“It’s a long time between drinks,” reflected Taurua. “Like always, it’s just a moment in time and I’m real about that.
“Elated! It’s not only us coming out with a win, but the manner we’re playing and level of performance and toughness that I’m seeing out there, and that want and desire to work for and with each other.
“We’ve talked about this for many years, so to see that and for people to demonstrate that out on court is next level. It’s beautiful netball, stunning netball, skillsets are beautiful and it’s something I love watching.”
Ekensaio reveals these Ferns have had to radically change their mindset to overcome their traditional nemeses.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” she said. “I actually am a bit stunned… I just can’t believe it, but at the same time, I totally can as well.
“I feel like we’re reaching our potential and I’m seeing what people are capable of, and I’m seeing people being super comfortable in who they are and bringing it on court.
“I’ve honestly never felt our team be so confident in all the time I’ve played for the Silver Ferns and that’s a really big shift for us. We’re a humble country and team, and that’s always been there for us, so to put on a different mentality is a really big shift for us and something we need to play like this.
