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Silver Fern Maria Tutaia - Source: Photosport -
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The Silver Ferns' third Test loss to Australia, proved just how critical Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia are to the teams' Commonwealth Games hopes.
If the pair is playing well, the Silver Ferns are tough to beat& if either of them has an off night, the team is in big trouble.
Forget the defensive end, New Zealand has so many outstanding options; Katrina Grant, Leana de Bruin, Anna Scarlett and Joline Henry can all comfortably slot into the starting line up and partner Casey Williams in the defensive circle.
The attacking end is a different story entirely& Irene van Dyk very rarely has an off night& when she does, the Silver Ferns need Maria Tutaia to step up and take on more of the work load, she must relieve some of the pressure that van Dyk, being the world's best shooter, is constantly under.
Unfortunately Tutaia has struggled all season for consistency, and it still isn't there. She had a shocker in the first Test against Australia, came back with a vengeance in the second, and then was patchy in the third.
The big problem here, is there is no experienced cover on the bench. Grace Rassmussen is the only other goal attack, but she's only just joined the team, and is completely unproven at international level.
That means Tutaia is it. She certainly has the goods& we've seen it before, her long range shot can be deadly, but somehow she must produce that level of performance on a regular basis.
If the Australian shooters lose their way, it's not an issue for them, with names like Pratley, and Cox on the bench, they're more than covered for all eventualities& New Zealand doesn't have that luxury.
Tutaia is the key& there will be immense pressure on her come Commonwealth Games, but she's been in the Silver Ferns long enough now, that she should be able to handle the added responsibility.
