So far, the Silver Ferns have managed to scrape out a pair of two-goal wins against the English in a fashion that has been described as bungling, rusty, sloppy, not pretty, error-ridden and, when it comes to shooting, woeful.
I'm not surprised by the close result, when you consider the team (athletes and management) is coming off the high of a Commonwealth Games gold and working its way toward peaking for the world championships in July. As veteran coach Ruth Aitken expressed, in these messy games and in the middle of the season, all that matters is that they come away with a win.
If the Silver Ferns can win with a few old heads missing (Temepara George and Liana Leota), with players in unfamiliar positions (Laura Langman and Anna Thompson playing at wing attack) and the shooters performing at a below par 72% success rate, they are on track for giving Australia a run at the world champs.
By the looks of it, Aitken and Waimarama Taumaunu are trying new combinations, testing new blood, and making the more experienced players work for their positions.
I'd expect a strategic approach to the worlds from a sport that is headed by the only woman to make The New Zealand Herald list of the 25 biggest power brokers in New Zealand sport.
Netball NZ chief executive Raelene Castle made it on the list at No 14 due to her firm hand on one of the country's biggest and most high profile sports, according to author Dylan Cleaver.
As an afterthought, Cleaver also included an athlete power list and female power list for 2011.
Despite this year being dominated by thoughts of the Rugby World Cup, netball is well represented by Casey Williams, Ruth Aitken and Tracey Fear in the afterthought lists.
I'm surprised to see Olympic golden girl and business entrepreneur Sarah Ulmer isn't on the list.
With her smile and can-do attitude, she has sold a lot of her SUB bikes and encouraged hundreds of women to give cycling a go and eat red meat.
Her endorsement alone could sell a few rugby tickets.
Swimming New Zealand performance general manager Jan Cameron should also be on the list as she seems to have a lot of force under the water, so to speak.
Perhaps 2011 is a quiet year for swimming? Although Graham Henry and Darren Shand were acknowledged in the list for the part they'll play with the All Black campaign, team doctor Deb Robinson should also be recognised for the important role she plays in ensuring the players stay in one piece and are put back together again to defend the nation's honour.
Although Martin Snedden as RNZ 2011 chief executive is the public face of RWC 2011, chief operating officer Therese Walsh is probably just as powerful behind the scenes.
Rachael Dacy, as Auckland RWC 2011 regional steering group chairwoman, also has a difficult job leading what is often a disparate region to host what we hope will be the best Rugby World Cup final (and festivals) yet.
There are many women who could be considered power brokers in New Zealand sport.
Unfortunately, much of the work they do is behind the scenes, and media interest in women's sports or unsung heroines is limited.
So, Silver Ferns, make the most of the attention you'll receive this year because of the netball world championships in July.
In a land that will be totally obsessed with rugby union come October, you'll be the only females with any public influence and power this year.
May the force be with you and use it wisely.
