The 2023 World Cup is shaping up to be the most competitive yet, with more teams than ever before in the running to take home the coveted trophy
Our panel of experts – former Silver Ferns captain and 2003 World Cup winner Anna Stanley (née Rowberry), former Fern Courtney Tairi and the voice of netball, commentator Jenny Woods – give their top picks and expert comments on the Silver Ferns’ biggest competition… and which teams might surprise you!
Australia
World ranking: 1
Nickname: Diamonds
As New Zealand’s biggest rivals and the highest-ranked team in the world – with 11 titles under their belts – the Diamonds are always our biggest competition, says our expert panel.
“They’ll be desperate to take back the title that New Zealand swiped from them four years ago,” explains Jenny. “Coach Stacey Marinkovich has a conveyor belt of talent to choose from – Liz Watson, Courtney Bruce and Steph Wood are ever-reliable, and step up in the big games.”
Adds Courtney, “They’re coming off the back of Commonwealth Games gold with the mindset that anything less than the World Cup title is unacceptable. Kiera Austin and Ruby Bakewell-Doran have had impressive Suncorp Super Netball seasons, and they thrive in the international environment.”
South Africa
World ranking: 5
Nickname: Proteas
Hometown heroes South Africa have all the potential to pull off a huge upset this World Cup – and as Anna says, with formidable former Aussie coach Norma Plummer at the helm, all eyes will be on the Proteas.
“Watch for the Aussie influence,” tells Anna. “And vice-captain Karla Pretorius will be key on defence – she’s agile, clever and punishing.”
Adds Jenny, “If ever there was a time to perform, this is it. They appear to be at full strength. They are stars of the game and are joined by captain Bongi Msomi, who will want to end her great career
on a high. They will want to perform in front of home fans.”
England
World ranking: 3
Nickname: Roses
They’ve finished third the past three World Cups, and the Roses will be keen to dig in their thorns and make the gold-medal match this year. But they’ve endured a bumpy few years since the highs of their gold-medal Commonwealth Games win in 2018 and are now without star shooter Jo Harten.
“They definitely have the experience to cause an upset,” Courtney tells. “Helen Housby and Eleanor Cardwell have played great in 2023, while Geva Mentor and Jade Clarke have been named in their
sixth World Cup squads.”
Adds Anna, “Watch for the tussle between Ferns shooter Grace Nweke and Roses defender Geva.”
Jamaica
World ranking: 4
Nickname: Sunshine Girls
The team that everyone is talking about, this Sunshine Girls squad is eyeing up their first gold. Anna, Jenny and Courtney all agree – this is the team to watch.
“They’re a serious title contender,” tells Courtney. “They have a real confidence and have made massive strides since the last Netball World Cup. They beat Australia in the round robin of the last Commonwealth Games, only to fall short in the gold-medal match and walk away with a silver.”
Anna says, “They will be well-prepared and ready for this campaign. They are athletic, agile, passionate and love to win. The Sunshine Girls are renowned for being hugely emotive – the key will be how they harness their skill and mental desire to take it all the way.”
Barbados
World ranking: 14
Nickname: Bajan Gems
The Gems’ highest finish at a world tournament came in 1987, where they finished in equal sixth place. They came 12th in Liverpool in 2019.
Fiji
World ranking: 19
Nickname: Pearls
Central Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie is in the Pearls’ coaching corner, so watch out for a Kiwi influence on court! Says Courtney, “She’ll provide great insight and assistance.”
Malawai
World ranking: 6
Nickname: Queens
They’ve shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and this could be the year the Queens bring their flair and style to the big show, says Anna – and watch for the sideline dance moves!
Scotland
World ranking: 10
Nickname: Thistles
Scotland has competed in every World Cup apart from 2011, when they failed to qualify, but always bring passion to the court. They’ve finished sixth three times.
Singapore
World ranking: 28
Nickname: N/A
The underdogs of the tournament, Singapore is out to make their mark on court after beating Malaysia to qualify for the World Cup.
Sri Lanka
World ranking: 15
Nickname: Lionesses
Sri Lanka finished unbeaten at the Asian World Cup qualifiers and will be looking to carry that form over to Cape Town.
Tonga
World ranking: 7
Nickname: Tonga Tala
There’s a big buzz around Tonga’s return to the World Cup – they’ve only appeared in one (1999) but come into the 2023 tournament ranked seventh. Tonga Tala took out their third consecutive PacificAus Series title on the Gold Coast in May, winning all six matches.
Trinidad & Tobago
World ranking: 11
Nickname: Calypso Girls
The only other team apart from New Zealand and Australia to win a World Cup, Trinidad & Tobago can never be written off. Enjoy their exuberant style!
Uganda
World ranking: 8
Nickname: She Cranes
Dame Noeline herself has flagged Uganda as a team to watch after they gave the Ferns a “tickle” with a 53-40 outing last year at the Commonwealth Games.
Wales
World ranking: 9
Nickname: Feathers
More than a few Kiwi eyes will be on Wales, with Southern Steel coach Reinga Bloxham taking on an assistant coaching role.
Zimbabwe
World ranking: 13
Nickname: Gems
Zimbabwe is the newest Netball World Cup team, with the Gems making their debut in 2019 in Liverpool, where they finished in an impressive eighth place.
