We’re at the business end of the World Cup & South Africa were, unfortunately for them, next to witness the masterclass that is Housby & Harten! There are not enough superlatives to describe this relationship: I struggle to remember a more dynamic duo on a netball court and I certainly believe, on the basis of this competition, there isn’t one to compare in world Netball right now.
There is no doubt that South Africa were nervous and their penalty hit rate did not help their cause. I suspect Norma Plummer won’t have a lot to do to motivate her squad for the semi finals though. It’s the first time since 1995 they’ve made it to the last 4 and there were certainly glimpses of fabulousness. They will want to right today’s wrongs.
Personally I would start with Sigi Burger at GS. She really didn’t do anything much wrong when she came on (Air shot would have been nerves!) and gave Geva Mentor something more to think about. Whether she plays in the semi final or not I predict she is going to be a netball superstar in years to come.
Back to the Roses though and again there were a few rough patches but we ground them out and saw it through the other side - you have to do that to be Champions. We got our bench on again - exposing the less experienced players incase something drastic happens in the next two game (Yes I am that confident) and got to rest those that needed it.
Captain Fantastic Serena Guthrie was even wrapped in cotton wool towards the end. Guthrie seems to have had a target on her back throughout this tournament, it is she bothered? Too busy enjoying herself by the looks of it!
And that may well be the key. You will be hard pressed to find a more relaxed, confident team at the World Cup - especially one that is competing for the top placings. Harten’s last second edge of circle goal in Q1, her no look pass to Housby under the post & Jade Clarke’s pin point bullet to Dunn from the centre third doesn’t come from a team with the world of expectations on their shoulders.
I’m back off up to Liverpool tomorrow & looking forward to seeing H2 and their team mates storming it against New Zealand. .
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