Silver Ferns Return to Napier for High-Stakes Test Against South Africa

The Silver Ferns will take to the court at Napier’s Pettigrew Green Arena on Wednesday at 7:40 PM for a highly anticipated match against South Africa, marking their first international appearance in Hawke’s Bay since 2017. The sold-out event, expected to draw approximately 2,500 spectators, is the second of a three-match series, with a win securing the Taini Jamison Trophy for the New Zealand team. The Silver Ferns secured the first test in Auckland on Sunday, setting the stage for a crucial showdown in Napier.

Silver Fern Kimiora Poi, 27, will be playing on her home turf, having grown up in Tikitiki and later attending Napier Girls’ High School. Poi, who now co-captains the Southern Steel and is based in Christchurch, expressed her excitement about returning to Napier. The courts where she once played for her school and club will be the venue for this historic match, with her parents and other family members expected to be in attendance. Poi said the match is a special moment for her, reflecting both personal and professional milestones.

The lead-up to the series has not been without its challenges. The Silver Ferns have experienced a period of disruption due to interim coaching changes. Yvette McCausland-Durie has taken over from Dame Noeline Taurua for the current series, following Taurua’s reported departure due to leadership style issues during a Sydney training camp. Despite this, Taurua has received public support from Silver Ferns legend Laura Langman, who praised her contributions to the team.

Poi expressed pride in representing the Silver Ferns once again, highlighting the team’s strong performance in the first test. The match in Napier is not only a crucial step in the Taini Jamison Trophy series but also a testament to the resilience of the Silver Ferns in the face of recent challenges.

South Africa has only managed to defeat the Silver Ferns once in history — during the 1995 Netball World Championships. Irene van Dyk played a pivotal role in that historic victory, but the Silver Ferns have since established themselves as a dominant force in international netball. The final match of the series will be held in Invercargill on Sunday, with the Constellation Cup series against Australia following in October.

As the Silver Ferns take to the court in Napier, the eyes of the netball world will be on this sold-out arena, where the stage is set for a thrilling test of skill, strategy, and spirit.