New Zealand edge past England in Copper Box thriller
England’s Roses suffered a narrow 61-58 defeat at the Copper Box Arena as New Zealand’s Silver Ferns took the opening game of their three-match netball Series. Ranked fourth in the world, England pushed the second-ranked Ferns all the way, but a late surge from the visitors secured the win ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Match overview and key moments
The contest was a tactical battle from the first whistle, with England’s defensive pressure testing the Ferns’ attack as both sides sought to establish rhythm. The game ebbed and flowed, with the Roses taking a slender lead at several stages, only for New Zealand to respond through precise feeding from the center court and smart conversions from their shooting circle. The Copper Box crowd, buzzing with anticipation for the series, saw a high-quality display of international netball as both teams executed long-range passes and compact zone defense.
England demonstrated resilience and cohesion, particularly in defense, where the wings and interceptors worked tirelessly to disrupt the Ferns’ connections. Offensively, the Roses were clinical at times, converting a string of tight opportunities and leveraging fast breaks to create scoring chances. Yet in the final stages, it was New Zealand who found a critical edge, executing a handful of late-time scoring sequences that proved pivotal to the result.
What this means for England
For the Roses, this opening loss marks a tough but valuable learning point in the build-up to major competitions next year. With a squad that blends experienced campaigners and rising stars, head coach and staff will be weighing the team’s execution in pressure moments, especially during late-quarter sequences. The match highlighted a few areas that could be sharpened in training, notably transition defense and the accuracy of back-court feeds under fatigue.
England will be aiming to bounce back quickly in the second game of the series. The Copper Box crowd will again be treated to high-intensity netball, with coach and players likely to tweak the attack structure and defensive rotations to blunt New Zealand’s shooting efficiency in the next encounter.
What this means for New Zealand
New Zealand’s Silver Ferns showed why they are considered among the world’s best, delivering a composed performance with robust ball control and effective use of space in attack. While the margin was narrow, the Ferns’ ability to close out the game with late pressure demonstrated their tactical maturity. The victory gives them a comfortable psychological edge as they head into the middle match of the series and continue their preparations ahead of major events.
A balanced performance from both wings and midcourt players underlined why the Ferns remain elite. With a depth chart that allows for rotating patterns without loss of intensity, New Zealand will be looking to capitalise on any momentum in the next game and maintain momentum ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Looking ahead to Glasgow 2024
The series serves as a crucial benchmark ahead of Glasgow, where the Roses will be aiming to climb higher on the world stage. The close scoreline provides motivation for England to refine set plays, defensive schemes, and stamina management across the four quarters. For New Zealand, the win reinforces expectations of success and signals that they will be a formidable obstacle for any top-tier team in the Commonwealth lineup.
The next instalment promises another gripping encounter, with both teams keen to lock in combinations that can unlock tight defenses and convert opportunities when it matters most.
