The Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu's risky selections almost paid off at the netball World Cup in Sydney.
Silver Fern goal attack Maria Tutaia Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Taumaunu made some brave decisions in her squad selection before the tournament with many commentators believing they would struggle to make the final.
Joline Henry, Liana Leota and Cathrine Latu were the highest profile names to be dropped from the squad.
But for a terrible first quarter, the Silver Ferns pushed Australia before losing 58-55 in Sunday's final.
Taumaunu was happy with the plan she took into the campaign.
"Taking a risk to pursue trying to win - that's what we came here to do and I'm pretty proud of them," she said.
"I think we didn't leave anything... there's nothing left to give."
After recovering from a knee injury to make the tournament, the team's captain Casey Kopua said she would take a well-earned break.
Casey Kopua leads the Silver Ferns from the court after their upset win over Australia. Photo: Photosport
"It's been probably the biggest challenge to get back so even to be on the court was all I was thinking," she said.
"I've been waiting nine months to get back on the court and I'm going to lead my team by example and that's all I thought about."