Aussies calm and confident before International Test

The Australian netball team appear calm and focused ahead of tomorrow's one-off International Test against New Zealand at the Sydney Superdome.

Despite recent jostling over which team rightfully deserves underdog status, a quiet confidence pervaded the Aussie camp at today's media conference where Australia's elite netballers amused the media by playing celebrity head and other warm-up games before undertaking a light training session.

The Australian team were questioned about how they would react if New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken elects to start New Zealand National League star and unknown quantity, Anna Senio, at goal attack for the Silver Ferns. The Australian team emphasised their experience in the backline and their ability to adapt their game to any opponent.

Ruth Aitken is yet to name her starting seven but her side includes a number of new defensive possibilities. This year's Silver Fern squad includes the experienced Vilimaina Davu and Anna Scarlett along with uncapped defenders Casey Williams and Joline Henry.

Tomorrow the Australian team goes into lock-down where they will undertake their final preparation for the last International Test on home soil before the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

In other news, during today's training session, Australian team newcomer, Sarah Barrett, was in talks with international Asics representatives indicating that a new sponsorship deal may be on the cards. Holden Australia is the major sponsor for tomorrow night's International Test and will be awarding a racy Holden Astra to the Player of the Series.

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