The Netball World Cup 2023 is gearing up for a highly anticipated face-off between the Silver Ferns of New Zealand and the SPAR Proteas of South Africa. The two teams are set to compete in their second preliminary stage group G match in Cape Town on Wednesday. This encounter promises to be an epic one, given the storied history between the two teams, and the intriguing connection between their coaches, Noeline Taurua and Norma Plummer, who have faced each other before in the former trans-Tasman league.
Taurua, who leads the Silver Ferns, has expressed her high regard and fear for Plummer, the coach of SPAR Proteas. Despite being Australians, the two have competed against each other before, with Taurua leading the Waikato Bay-based Plenty Magic and Plummer at the helm of the Perth-based West Coast Fever. Taurua shared her feelings on the upcoming match, “Not particularly, she scares the s**t out of me. She is awesome, she is one of the best, she is a legend and I have so much respect for her.”
The Silver Ferns face a daunting task of not only competing against the talented South African team but also facing the overwhelming support from the home crowd. The passionate South African fans have been a significant presence throughout the tournament, backing their team vociferously.
Taurua recognizes the challenge ahead, saying, “One thing we learned when we were here in January for the Quad Series is it’s not only South Africa but it’s the people who are sitting in the stands, and I am not too sure who scares me the most. It is going to be vocal out there.”
The SPAR Proteas are resolute in bouncing back from their first-stage defeat against Jamaica, believing that they are a stronger team than previous performances suggest. Taurua acknowledges this, saying “I think during the game against Jamaica they [the Proteas] may not have been happy with what they put up because I know they are a better team. I have so much respect for ‘Plums’ [Plummer] and it’s all on.”
The stage is set for a colossal showdown between New Zealand and South Africa, with both teams fighting for a spot in the semi-finals. This matchup, with the clash of the coaching titans, the sheer talent on display, and the electric atmosphere created by the fans, promises to be an unforgettable Netball World Cup encounter. As Taurua and Plummer prepare their teams, the world watches, eager to see which powerhouse will come out on top.
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