Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua feel her side has made great progress so far in the series against Aotearoa Men.
Aotearoa Men Victor Godsmark-White with Silver Ferns Grace Nweke during the Cadbury Netball Series Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Ferns clinched the series with a thrilling 59-58 win in game two in Wellington.
They got off to a far better start tonight and led by four at the end of the first quarter.
The men were more clinical in the second quarter, winning it by 5 and took a 29-28 lead at half-time.
Tiana Metuarau came on at half-time and combined well with Grace Nweke in the shooting circle.
The third quarter was a goal for goal affair and the Ferns led by one going into the final spell.
A last minute turnover was the difference in the end.
"Holy hell, it was a monster game in a lot of different ways, definitely physical but the pressure that both teams were under was huge and some really positive stuff from us," said Dame Noeline.
She says combinations continue to develop which is helping the rest of their game.
"I also feel that when we were under pressure that we kept ball retention and there were only a few things in regard to coughing it up, but overall I thinks that's a massive shift on what we've been able to do and I think individuals have stood up to the physicality as well."
Jay Geldard Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Silver Ferns shooting accuracy was far better tonight at 80 percent. Nweke finished with 30 from 36, while Metuarau, who came on in the second half shot 17 of 21.
However it was Men's goal shoot Jay Geldard who stood out with a perfect night of 44 from 44, which pleased coach David Pala'amo.
"I didn't know that he shot 100 percent until someone told me and I think he only missed one shot (Sunday night) and he's 40 years old so gosh you've got to take your hat off to that.
Game three is tonight at the same venue.