The Silver Ferns have got it wrong using the Quad Series tests as a development opportunity says former national coach Yvonne Willering.
The national netball team faces a tough assignment against Australia in Invercargill in their Quad Series netball match-up this afternoon.
Australia have already notched up wins over both England and South Africa while the Silver Ferns struggled to put away South Africa and recorded a rare loss to England during the week.
A downcast Silver Ferns side in the wake of their loss to England. Photo: Photosport NZ
Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby has been using the series to give her youthful squad experience in the hope it can prepare them for April's Commonwealth Games.
Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby ponders her side's performance against England. Photo: Photosport
Willering though is not a fan of the approach and said the top side should be picked everytime.
"I have a problem with the word development. When you are wearing the Silver Fern you are representing your country and you've had to earn the right to do so.
"If they (coaches) feel we are still developing in the Silver Ferns ... maybe we need a team that sits underneath that. We used to have a young international side, we used to have the NZA team - that's where the final development should be done heading into the Silver Ferns."
"Once you take the court for the Silver Ferns is about being the best you can be and not development."
Willering said Australia was also going down the development path with the Quad series, which was only serving to boost the confidence of England and South Africa ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Former Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering has concerns about the lack of depth of international standard players. Photo: Photosport
"With England and South Africa it is very much about the present, and for me it should be about the present - your development work should be done through your franchise competition," she said.
After the Quad series, New Zealaad play England in a three test series before meeting Australia in the Constellation Cup series.
"The team that plays in the Constellation Cup I think you will find that will be our most experienced lineup leading into the Commonwealth Games."
Willering believes Southby's hand has been forced somewhat as the ANZ Premiership won't start until after the Games.
Willering is not surprised by the improvement shown by England and South Africa.
"They have really benefited from their players being able to play in the New Zealand or Australian domestic competition," she said.
"With the English team, about nine players either play in the ANZ premiership or in Australia and it's really benefited them.
"And now with England having achieved a win they not only know what it takes to win but more importantly is the feeling that you get with a win."
Willering said New Zealand and Australian netball followers have always been critical that England couldn't finish off tight games but they have proved that's no longer the case and are a force to be reckoned with.