Dame Noeline Taurua is standing by comments from Netball New Zealand officials over England's call to send a supposed second-string squad down under for their three-test series with the Silver Ferns.
Last month, chief executive Jennie Wyllie labelled the England selections as "disrespectful", but after suffering an embarrassing loss in the series opener, the Silver Ferns now find themselves in a must-win position ahead of the second test in Wellington.
And those comments could come back to haunt the Ferns on Wednesday night.
After swapping the court for the stage, the Silver Ferns were up early this morning to engage with fans in Wellington, even those who won't be in the stands tomorrow night.
But behind the smiles, the pressure is building.
Sunday's loss to England came after Wyllie demanded an explanation for England sending an understrength and "disrespectful" squad to New Zealand.
It was a call that has bitten the Silver Ferns hard.
But as the Ferns got back to business in Porirua, coach Dame Noeline Taurua was quick to defend Wyllie.
"I don't think it was a mistake," she said. "I think we were very clear on the words, and our reasoning behind it, and we stand on that."
Wyllie wasn't the only one questioning England's decision to bring a 'B' team.
On Friday, newly-appointed vice-captain Phoenix Karaka hit out two days before the first test loss.
"Obviously there is the initial 'what the hell is happening, are they taking the piss?'" she said.
On Tuesday, Karaka was more diplomatic.
"I do agree that I was a bit confused about what they were bringing over," Karaka clarified. "But I never said they were going to be a useless team."
It's now the Silver Ferns who find themselves under immense pressure to keep the Taini Jamison Trophy series alive on Wednesday.
"This game is a must-win," said Taurua bluntly.
Lose and the Silver Ferns and Netball New Zealand could have serious egg on their face.
