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Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Netball World Cup semi-final between the Silver Ferns and England at Cape Town.
After a shock draw with hosts South Africa and defeat to Jamaica, New Zealand have squeaked through to the final four, as they try to defend the crown they won at Liverpool four years ago.
Their form hasn't been that convincing and there's no doubt the loss of star shooter Grace Nweke hasn't helped their cause, as they approach the business end of the tournament.
Perhaps assisting their chances was England's one-goal win over perennial favourites Australia, enough to place them atop the other pool and set up a meeting between the Ferns and the Roses.
New Zealand toppled then-Commonwealth Games champions England in the semis four years ago and went on to defeat Australia in the final. They also tipped the hosts out of the medals in the bronze playoff at last year's Birmingham Commonwealth Games, so this match-up holds few fears for them.
Join us for the opening centrepass at 9pm.
TAB Odds: England $1.62, NZ $2.10
NZ: Karin Burger, Gina Crampton, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maddie Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Tiana Metuarau, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Whitney Souness, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson
England: Imogen Allison, Eleanor Cardwell, Jade Clarke, Funmi, Fadoju, Layla Guscoth, Helen Housby, Laura Malcolm, Geva Mentor, Nat Metcalf, Chelsea Pitman, Assaindey Tchine, Francesca Williams
'Fantastic for netball': Taurua sees silver lining in Ferns loss to Jamaica
Despite the disappointment of defeat to Jamaica at the Netball World Cup, Dame Noeline Taurua sees the rise of the 'Sunshine Girls' as a positive for the sport overall.
Throughout history, netball has predominantly been the dominion of Australia and, to a lesser extent, New Zealand.
In the Netball World Cup's 16 previous iterations, Australia's Diamonds and the Silver Ferns have won them all. Trinidad and Tobago are an outlier, finishing in a threeway share of the 1979 title.
The Commonwealth Games makes for similar reading, with five titles for Australia, two to New Zealand and one for England.
While England have challenged to consistently break into netball's top echelon, overcoming Australia is a feat many would struggle to achieve.
However, in recent years, Jamaica have risen up the ranks and are now genuine contenders among the game's international elite.
At the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Jamaica defeated Australia in poolplay, on their way to a silver medal.
Now Jamaica have handed the Silver Ferns a 59-48 loss to progress to the World Cup semi-finals, inflicting New Zealand with a record World Cup defeat for their troubles.
While many would resent another challenger breaking up the status quo, Taurua sees things differently, welcomings the added competition Jamaica bring as a positive for the growth of the sport.
"That's something we actually spoke about last night," said Dame Noeline. "When we drew against South Africa last night, not only was it good for South Africa and the country, but what's good globally for netball.
"Jamaica have always touched up teams over the last two years. The Commonwealth Games probably highlighted their prowess out on court.
"I think it's fantastic for netball that it's not just two countries. More are competing and that could be good globally for our sport."
Jamaica progress to face Australia, who suffered a shock loss of their own to England, condemned the World Cup favourites to second-place in Group F.
The Silver Ferns will now lick their wounds and look to rebound against England for a spot in the final.
History will be on the Silver Ferns' side, with semi-final wins over the Roses at all three of the Netball World Cups since 2011.
