The best netball players on the planet are descending on Cape Town for the sport’s biggest international competition. With the Netball World Cup set to begin on 28 July, who are the favourites and who are the dark horses this time around?
Jamaica
Jhaniele Fowler is a household name for Suncorp Super Netball fans, and she has set remarkable records for goals and accolades in the Australian league. But the Sunshine Girls are not a one-woman show, and their recent successes have been built on high quality performances across the whole court. Team Jamaica came second in the Commonwealth Games, but they are playing as well as fans can remember, and they should be confident of a deep run at the World Cup.
Australia
The Origin Diamonds are on a winning run, claiming victory at the most recent Quad Series, Constellation Cup, and Commonwealth Games. They are certainly among the favourites at the World Cup, and Australia already holds the record for most titles at the event. Commonwealth Games star Gretel Bueta is currently pregnant and will not be playing in Cape Town, but it remains to be seen how the Diamonds will try to replace her.
New Zealand
The defending champions should be confident heading into this World Cup. The Silver Ferns have been in training for longer than most teams, and coach Noeline Taurua has experience of winning on the biggest stage. They have a good chance of retaining their title if the players can showcase their quality in the key moments in South Africa.
England
The Roses can be considered underdogs, and few fans are expecting them to upset the big favourites. There is real talent in the squad, though, and if the best performers have the stamina to make it through the 10 days of competition, England might be in with a chance of going all the way.
Tickets are still on sale for the Netball World Cup.