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Australia thrashed Samoa 82-26 in their opening match of the world netball championships, but coach Norma Plummer warned her players they need to step it up a notch to regain the crown.
Australia easily embarrassed sixth ranked Samoa by more than 50 goals, showing they are more confident than ever and ready to win back the world crown from New Zealand.
But while Australia dominated the match across the court, especially the midcourt, Australia was far from its best in the shooting circle.
Veteran shooter Sharelle McMahon scored 28 from 37, while teammate Catherine Cox made 22 from 30.
Youngster Natalie Medhurst, brought on in the second half, meanwhile, managed 100 per cent accuracy with her 19 goals.
“I should’ve asked McMahon if she had her contacts in tonight,” Plummer joked.
“I think they got the butterflies out … but there’s plenty to work on.”
McMahon said the team was still brimming with confidence that it could win the tournament.
“The most pleasing thing is that the tournament is under way finally, that’s the feeling within the group, so we’re happy to get that one out of the way,” she said.
“A few scratchy bits but there was also some great play and it’s a good spot for us to start and build on.
“We’ve built quite a bit of confidence over the past 12 months or so with this group … so we’re quietly confident.”
The match against Samoa, who are coached by former Silver Fern Linda Vagana, was expected to be the toughest in Australia’s pool, and puts them in good stead ahead of the finals.
Samoa started strong in the first 10 minutes but by half time were struggling and looking tired as the score blew out to 39-13.
The match again highlighted Australia’s fast pace, and short, sharp passing across the midcourt, with wing defence Selina Gilsenan and centre Natalie von Bertouch effortlessly leading the way.
Plummer stuck with her core starting line-up for the first half, but as promised used the second half to give all her young guns playing time with great results.
The youngest team member, 21-year-old Julie Prendergast, came on as wing defence for Mo’onia Gerrard, while Lauren Nourse was put on at wing attack, replacing Laura von Bertouch.
In the final quarter defender Bianca Chatfield and shooter Natalie Medhurst were brought in.
Throughout the second half Australia couldn’t be stopped, as they continued to dominate all areas of the court.
A disappointed Vagana said she didn’t expect the margin to be so big.
“I don’t think you were able to see the best of Samoa, I think what we were capable of is how we started,” Vagana said.
“But never mind, we’ve got tomorrow to look forward to.”
Playing in Pool B, Australia will face Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow night, and Scotland on Tuesday.
Australia, ranked second in the world, are the most successful netball side in the world, having won eight championships since the tournament’s inception in 1963.
They are considered the favourites to win this tournament, with reigning world champions New Zealand their biggest threat and opening the tournament with an ominous 85-26 win over Malawi on Saturday.
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