After the end of an exciting and unpredictable Quad Series, the England Roses have stayed out in New Zealand to compete in a three-match International Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy.
The England Roses have a great opportunity to play New Zealand three times over the coming week and, based on the epic Quad Series match where the Roses defeated the Silver Ferns, these games should be exciting to say the least.
England Netball caught up with Jodie Gibson to get an insight into just how important these matches are for the squad, particularly in the run up to the Commonwealth Games.
Talking about the upcoming series, Gibson said: “It’s a great opportunity to have a test series over in New Zealand.
“It’s going to be great to play three test matches against them and really build on each performance.
“I’m looking forward to more opportunities to hopefully get on court and play against New Zealand.
“It’s exciting as well that we are going to go to different destinations in New Zealand that I’ve never been to before.”
The three-match International Series will be a good indication of where Tracey Neville’s side are at as preparations for Gold Coast 2018 intensify.
The players recognise the importance of these games for growing and developing as a squad.
Gibson said: “I think it’s very important now that we do stamp our authority and do well from the start.
“It’s a very exciting time for England Netball and we need to use these opportunities to set the bench mark and really show these nations that we are determined to win gold and be on that podium at the Commonwealth Games.”
Thursday’s game will be the 89th meeting between the two sides and the Roses will be determined to secure their sixth win.
The Roses will be in action on the following dates – all times are BST.
Taini Jamison Trophy
Thursday 7th September: New Zealand Silver Ferns v England Roses, Porirua, 8:45am
Sunday 10th September: New Zealand Silver Ferns v England Roses, Napier, 3am
Wednesday 13th September: New Zealand Silver Ferns v England Roses, Hamilton, 8:30am
You can follow the England Roses on tour via our official twitter account @England_Netball and watch every single match LIVE exclusively on Sky Sports.
