Dumisani Chauke of South Africa, Nicole Cussack assistant coach) and head coach Norma Plummer sit one the sidelines Coach Norma Plummer could be the Proteas secret weapon against New Zealand. Picture: Ashley Vlotman, Gallo Images, Netball World Cup 2023
World champions New Zealand are currently enjoying a winning run at the Netball World Cup, having not lost a match so far. But Proteas will want to put a stop to that run on Wednesday night.
South Africa take on the Kiwi’s in their second Super Six match. Bongi Msomi’s team returned to winning ways against Trinidad and Tobago on Monday night with a 69-28 win after losing their final group C match to Jamaica, one of the other tournament favourites.
New Zealand coach Noeline Taurua is no stranger to her opposite number, Proteas coach Norma Plummer. The pair go way back. Plummer is a former coach of the Australian national team where she won World Cups as a player and coach.
While Taurua became coach of the Silver Ferns back in the 2018 ahead of the last Netball World Cup, but she and Plummer have had their fair share of battles at domestic level.
When asked about coming up against her old foe Taurua’s response was “no not particularly (laughs), she scares the s*** out of me! (laughter continues)”.
The New Zealand coach went to say: “she is awesome, she is one of the best, she’s a legend and I have got so much respect for her”.
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The Proteas, meanwhile, aren’t playing on Tuesday and will be using the valuable time off the court to prepare for their clash against New Zealand.
South Africa’s assistant coach Dumisani Chauke says the past has shown them that coming up against a versatile New Zealand won’t be easy and will be something they will be working on.
“When it comes to New Zealand, you can’t focus on one person, that’s why this is a team sport. Number two: yes are going back to the drawing board, we do have an off day (on Tuesday) we will be doing preparations such as video analysis and going through the things we need to sharpen.
“When we met them in January at the quad series they changed up their game, they changed up their defensive structure, and we struggled to adapt. So we will be looking to prepare better for that, so when we do meet them on Wednesday we have a better prepared side.“
@AliciaPillay56
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