On their absolute best day, the Silver Ferns might've stood a chance of beating Australia once at the Netball World Cup.

Problem is, they've done that already.

Saturday's hugely-impressive 50-39 semifinal win over England means New Zealand are into yet another major championship decider. And, just for a change, Australia will be waiting for them, at Allphones Arena on Sunday afternoon.

MATT KING/GETTY IMAGES Geva Mentor of England defends against Bailey Mes during the Silver Ferns' comprehensive Netball World Cup semifinal victory in Sydney on Saturday.

You can't argue with the campaign New Zealand have put together at this tournament, nor the quality of their performance against England. But the thought of last Sunday's 52-47 victory over Australia nags.

Did they expose some fundamental flaws in the Diamonds that'll be easily exploited again? Or have they merely enjoyed the only win against Australia that they're going to get?

"We're definitely in with a chance," New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu.

MARK KOLBE/GETTY IMAGES Maria Tutaia turned on a masterclass as the Silver Ferns booked their place in the Netball World Cup final with a win over England in Sydney.

"We've probably pushed Australia out of a level of complacency, however, so I think that they will approach us with a little more seriousness than they did last Sunday. But we're pretty keen to have another go as well."

The script, particularly the one written on this side of the Tasman, had Australia making a glorious and unblemished run to the title.

Instead, the Diamonds didn't cope with New Zealand's moving circle, quick passing and aerial approach in pool play. Taumaunu is banking on that to work again. There's no other tricks up the sleeve for the final.

"No, we've put everything on the floor so far. It'll continue tomorrow."  

It was certainly good enough to account for England. They came to Sydney with dreams of winning the title and will leave with the bronze medal, at best.

The Silver Ferns charged to a 4-0 lead and by quarter time led 11-5. That set the tone. England had some reasonable moments thereafter, but too few to trouble New Zealand.

Maria Tutaia won yet more admiration, after a shooting return of 35/42, but the Silver Ferns didn't have a bad player.

"It's incredible. We work off each other and she knows I'm going to be trying to get her rebounds and I know that she's happy to slot those ones from her range," goal shoot Bailey Mes said.

Mes shot 15/22 after a shaky start. England tried to rough her up and you'd expect Australia to do the same.

"I think so. The games are obviously really, really physical, as it gets closer to the end of the competition, but I've just got to try and grind it out," said Mes.

She and wing defence are the two Silver Ferns you watch closest in that regard. They're the ones still establishing their credentials at international level, but that won't take long.

England had a dig at Cullen too, only for her to stand up and then some.

"I feel like I'm getting very angry out on court at the moment. I think it's my feistiness coming out, because I'm actually a really nice person off the court," Cullen said.

"But I think I play better when I'm angrier."

England wing attack Tamsin Greenway actually offered up a sledge, that Cullen wouldn't elaborate on. What matters is the way the wing defence responded and that was with real poise and authority.

They're qualities all the Silver Ferns will need against Australia.

 - Dominion Post

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