Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua has hailed her side's effort in their 50-49 defeat to Australia, coming within one shot of matching the Diamonds at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool.
After Maria Folau's effort in the final seconds hit the rim to see the Ferns have to settle for a one-point loss instead of a draw against their trans-Tasman foes, coach Taurua made it clear that last night's defeat will prove invaluable heading into the semi-finals of the World Cup.
"I thought it was a massive step for us," Taurua told Silver Ferns TV.
"The pressure was immense, and it was like a normal trans-Tasman sort of rivalry match.
"I was just so glad that we got out there and we've had pressure, getting us ready for tomorrow or the next day."
With the Ferns' semi-final opponent now confirmed to be England, Taurua says that her side are ready for a World Cup semi-final.
"The next game's going to be interesting."
"It's the doozy I suppose, either you don't or you do. You're either battling it out for contention of gold medal, coming out of this next game."
The Ferns face England tomorrow night NZT.
SHARE ME