Who did Geitz call?

Sunday sees the play-off matches and final, with the winners of the game between Malawi and Wales meeting the winners of the match between South Africa and Uganda for fifth and sixth and the losers fighting it out for seventh and eighth.

They will go from a 66-31 defeat against world No 1 Australia on Wednesday and into another tough match against world No 3 England on Friday.

“I think a World Cup final will bring that”.

Three missed shots from Bailey Mes to open the quarter provided an opportunity for England, however, a number of turnovers from Jade Clarke and goal attack Pamela Cookey handed the ball straight back to the Kiwis, who stood strong to seal an 11-goal win.

“But that’s nerves. That’s being anxious about playing the opposition, the number one team, and I thought that as we got further into the game, they played a little better”.

“It’s actually a bit of a blessing, it forces you to make changes and do things that haven’t worked”. She’s strong, she’s physical, she’s accurate on her shooting now, so it’s just a plugging-away effort against Romelda.

For the players, the moment has come.

From there on the Aussies found their fluency, with centre Kim Ravaillion and goal attack Natalie Medhurst finding the space they needed to go with their fancy footwork.

“They’re as ready as ever … the hunger and desire is there, so it’s just got to be put out on court”, Alexander said. Thompson believes when the discipline lapses the problems begin.

Today will likely be their last tilt at a world title, and for veteran defender Leana de Bruin it is a chance to mark her 100th test, and probably last, appearance for the Silver Ferns in ultimate style.

“Jamaica is very good”.

“Once you’re on the courts, there’s no secrets”.

“In the game against Australia she absolutely tore us apart. Rose has, in Queensland”. “We all know what it takes to win, and we’re all willing to do whatever it takes”.

“It’s a huge game tomorrow, massive, but we are ready for it and excited at the prospect of making history”.

If not, the uncomfortable focus will be on Geitz v Aiken, the closest of friendly rivals. That means Australia and England find themselves in the same pool for the second round, in which the top eight teams play round robin games to determine the four semi-finalists.