New Zealand vs England: It’s the Kiwis once more as the Roses bid to rule world for first time

England meet New Zealand in their semi-final - a week on from last Sunday's stunning Cricket World Cup final.
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England’s netball stars can handle the pressure of trying to win the World Cup for the first time this weekend.

That is the view of former England player Tamsin Greenway, 36, ahead of their semi-final against New Zealand on Saturday afternoon.

Tracey Neville’s team have a 100 per cent record at the tournament and set up a showdown with the Kiwis after beating South Africa 58-47 at the Liverpool Arena last night.

“I think they’ve definitely handled the pressure so far,” Greenway told Standard Sport. “That was probably one of the concerns, but having watched them in this environment, they are thriving off the attention.

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“They are loving the fan base, they are playing off the noise and trying to get the fans involved as well.

"They are enjoying that vibe and it is a really new environment for them to play in. The eighth player has been the fanbase and I think it is only going to grow and grow as people see how good the game is.

“The win at the Commonwealth Games last year has helped them hugely. That was always the part that was missing — the belief, not the talent. Therefore, they can go on and take it all the way.”

England, in theory, have an easier semi-final draw in New Zealand, with South Africa, their opponents yesterday, instead forced to take on 11-time champions and current holders Australia for a spot in Sunday’s final. But Greenway believes the Kiwis could prove to be the tougher test.

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“The reality is I think England match up better against Australia than they do against New Zealand when you look at the Kiwis’ style of the defence,” Greenway added. “You almost know what you are getting with the Aussies, whereas the Kiwis are more unpredictable at the moment.

“I think defensively they are going to cause problems for any team because they have just got ball winners in [Casey] Kopua, [Katrina] Rore (left) and [Jane] Watson. They are all incredible.

“They play a zone kind of defence, whereas Australia are more man-on-man and challenge you.

“We haven’t played against that style from the Kiwis for a while because even back in the Quad Series [in January] they were not as structured as they are now. I think that is going to be quite interesting.”

Tamsin Greenway is part of the Sky Sports team bringing you a huge summer of women’s sport. Watch the Netball World Cup for free on Sky Sports YouTube

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