WITH the Nations Cup set to commence on Sunday we take a look at how each team is faring up heading into the first international tournament of 2020. It is the inaugural time this competition will take place with England, South Africa, Jamaica and New Zealand all set to do battle in hope to claim the Nations Cup. Jamaica have opted for a similar line-up to the World Cup while adding in some unknown quantities.

Overview:
After a relatively disappointing 2019 international campaign where they did not live up to the expectation and hype of many netball fans, expect Jamaica to come out with a point to prove and a real fire in the belly. All three opposition nations got the better of them during the World Cup and that will be something they hope to rectify in the Nations Cup given the star power they have across the court. The Sunshine Girls ooze plenty of flair and excitement but struggle to maintain that intensity for a solid four quarters, making them a difficult team to match up against. If they are on song early they can really trouble the opposing countries given their solid defensive and attacking units, however their inexperienced midcourt could be their eventual downfall.

Who’s missing?
Queensland Firebirds goal shooter, Romelda Aiken has not made the journey over to England for the upcoming tour. Although she was not often given the start, the talented goaler was a real impact player, able to burst on the court and add to the tally with ease. Aiken is a commanding force in the goal circle, often letting her athleticism and long reach do the talking and could be sorely missed in the attacking half if things are not going to plan. The defensive duo of Vangelee Williams and Stacian Facey are also set to miss the Nations Cup. The two offer a wealth of experience down back while also contributing to the midcourt flow with their attacking mindset. Williams thrives on the physicality, able to body up on her opponents while Facey can take a strong intercept. Another player missing through the midcourt is Adean Thomas with the versatile centre court player able to rotate through wing attack, centre and wing defence. With a less experienced midcourt it will be hard to replace the calibre of Thomas, who can think her way through the pressure and deliver well weighted passes into the shooters.

Players to watch:
Shimona Nelson was unable to play in the World Cup due to injury but proved throughout the Suncorp Super Netball season what she can do on the big stage. Her game developed at a rate of knots in 2019 and she will be hoping to get her chance to shine on the international stage. Despite being costly at times with her hands, Nelson has really tidied her game up by controlling the space, putting up strong holds and shooting high volumes of shots to make her an exciting prospect for the Sunshine Girls. Up the other end, the likes of Shamera Sterling can turn a game on its head in an instant, such is her strength and presence across the court. The lanky goal keeper is not afraid to hunt the ball, renowned for intercepting ability and read of the play. She can sense the moment and is skilful enough to force a turnover or get a timely deflection. Jodi-Ann Ward should not be forgotten, with the talented defender able to have an impact despite her light frame. Ward is nimble on her feet and has a high netball IQ, able to drop into the right places and pick off errant passes that come her way.

New additions:
Despite donning a very similar line-up to the World Cup, the likes of Latayna Wilson have joined the ranks to help bolster the Sunshine Girls’ defensive stocks. Having played with the Celtics Dragons, the defender could offer some useful insight into the Roses shooting line-up having played against them in the Vitality Netball Superleague while also possessing a plethora of defensive attributes such as her lean over the shot. Fellow defender Shannika Johnson is also a new inclusion in the Jamaican side and will have plenty to prove to solidify herself a spot in the Sunshine Girls outfit.

Team list:
Jhaniele Fowler, Shanice Beckford, Shamera Sterling, Jodi-Ann Ward, Khadijah Williams, Shadian Hemmings, Shimona Nelson, Nicole Dixon, Latanya Wilson, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Gezelle Allison, Shannika Johnson.