The pressure is on New Zealand's netballers to step up during the upcoming ANZ Premiership if they want to make the cut for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
A rollercoaster Quad Series effort stamped a big 'work in progress' sticker on the Silver Ferns, who looked a long way from vintage form.
A hiding against Australia, a blowout against England, and a lacklustre pair of showings against South Africa see coach Dame Noeline Taurua describe the Quad Series as "a rehearsal for real-time".
Meanwhile our old foes showed up with real form. England and Australia delivered decisive margins that put them firmly in front for the Commonwealth Games in July.
"They can handle the pressure and they can dish it out as well," Dame Noeline tells Newshub.
"It's a massive assignment I suppose."
It's a massive assignment to get the Ferns back into the finalist fold by July.
Despite the third-placed finish though, Dame Noeline is still confident that her side can still contend for gold in Birmingham.
"I would like to think, definitely. That's in my KPIs, that's my role, that's my job," she says.
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't going to gun for gold. Putting my hand up, putting our hand up, we have a lot of work to do."
The domestic ANZ Premiership will be vital for the returning Ferns.
Players leave the UK with to-do lists that Dame Noeline needs to see ticked off if they expect to book their ticket back to Birmingham.
"Once we do those selections post ANZ, then we have at least six weeks to build ourselves to Commonwealth Games," Dame Noeline adds.
"I know we can do a lot in that timeframe."
The Silver Ferns face a tough draw at the Commonwealth Games. They will be desperate to finish top of their pool to avoid a likely meeting with Australia in the semi-finals.
But it won't be easy because they are grouped with England.
The Ferns do have a secret selection weapon or two, with World Cup winners Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Katrina Rore returning from maternity leave.
And New Zealand's returning players come with the Ferns' main rivals having already shown their full hands.
"Both Australia and England, their final squad, or the squad they have, there's no one else that they're going to select.
"Whereas we will. And I feel that there is some upside that will come into our mix."
But before the big task of ANZ is the small matter of MIQ.
"There's a lot to think about. I don't know if I'm feeling good, I'm feeling a bit more confident.
"I'm not happy or anything like that, but I am clearer."
She'll be happy when a Quad Series bronze turns into a Commonwealth Games gold.
