The final team we look at ahead of this weekends Fast5 is defending champions, New Zealand.
The Silver Ferns have ruled the Fast5 Netball World Series since its inception in 2009. Winning all but one edition of the event, New Zealand seem to be the team to beat when it comes to Fast5.
Captained by Storm Purvis, the Ferns have a dynamic mix of speed, flair and creativity within the squad. Maia Wilson who scored a plethora of goals during last year’s competition returns to the side – which are going for title number seven.
Captain Purvis says her side is ‘raring to go’..
During last year’s tournament the Silver Ferns only lost one game during the round robin stage to Australia by 32 goals to 29 – however, when the sides met in the grand final, the ferns secured a memorable 41-16 win.
The Silver Ferns scored 233 goals during last year’s competition on route to their 6th Fast5 Netball World Series title. Fast5 coach Kiri Wells will surely want more of the same during this years’ tournament. Only four members of the squad played at last years’ competition. Kayla Cullen, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maia Wilson and Storm Purvis all know what it feels like to win gold in Melbourne.
New Zealand begin their title defense against 2011 champions England in the third game on the opening Saturday. Silver Ferns final round robin group stage game is against last year’s bronze placed team Malawi.
Will the Silver Ferns make it 5 in a row in Melbourne?
Keep up to date across our social media for the latest updates on this years Fast5 Netball World Series (@IntNetball).