Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua will do her best at the back.
But it is at the other end of the court where most of the pressure will come on the New Zealanders tomorrow night.
The Silver Ferns play the Australian Diamonds in Invercargill in the first of five games for the Constellation Cup.
Much of the pre-match talk has centred around the Silver Ferns midcourt and who will secure the wing attack bib.
International rookie Courtney Tairi and Canterbury's Anna Thompson are in a head-to-head battle for the starting spot. Thompson has made nine appearances for the Silver Ferns since making her debut in August 2009.
While they are both green by international standards, there will be plenty of experience around them. Fellow midcourters Joline Henry and Laura Langman have played a combined 159 tests. The ever-reliable Langman (90 tests) has not missed a single test since making her debut in 2005.
Her ability to link the ends and set the tempo is crucial for the Silver Ferns and could have a big impact on the outcome of the game.
In the past, she has had some very able assistants in Temepara George, Liana Leota and, more recently, Millie Lees. But George has retired, Leota is unavailable and Lees is injured.
No doubt the likely Australian midcourt trio of Kimberlee Green, Madison Browne and Renae Hallinan will look to exploit what the visiting side probably perceives as a weakness.
It is extra pressure on Langman and company but Kopua is confident whoever wears the wing attack bib will be up to the challenge.''
No matter who is out on the court, it is still going to be strong line-up,'' she said.''
I think we've got a strong 12, so it just about execution and the game plan and things like that.''
Kopua can do almost anything on the netball court. She has built a reputation as an uncompromising defender, who reads the game superbly. But one thing the goal keep cannot do is pass the ball to the shooters. However, she can still help get the ball up the court and take the pressure off the midcourt.''
You are always trying to help out. You are always trying to be available and stay alive. Whatever makes it easier for everybody, really. We just try and help each other out.''
Australia will not be immune to pressure. It has been 11 months - four games - since it recorded its last win.''
It will be in the back of their minds. They could use that against us so we just have to make sure that we are ready for that. But also it is a new year, a new series and things can be different.''
With three of the five games in Australia, Kopua said it was important to start well and win the home fixtures.''
It seems to be a bit harder to win overseas but we don't want to be known for that. We want to be known as a team that can play anywhere and win anytime and back up performances.''
New Zealand v Australia
Played 111, New Zealand 44, Australia 65, draws 2.
LAST FIVE TESTS
Nov 12, 2012: Hamilton, New Zealand 48-43.
Oct 21, 2012: Sydney, Australia 68-48.
Sep 23, 2012: Christchurch, Australia 59-53.
Sep 20, 2012: Auckland, New Zealand 50-49.
Sep 16, 2012: Melbourne, New Zealand 54-52.
TEAMS
New Zealand: Casey Kopua (captain), Leana de Bruin, Joline Henry, Laura Langman, Courtney Tairi, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Anna Thompson, Katrina Grant, Jodi Brown, Cathrine Latu, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit.
Australia: Laura Geitz (captain), Bianca Chatfield, Renae Hallinan, Kimberlee Green, Madison Browne, Natalie Medhurst, Caitlin Bassett, Erin Bell, Rebecca Bulley, Kimberley Ravailion, Sharni Layton, Caitlin Thwaites.
