Netball Super League | What did we learn on day two of the Vitality Netball Nations Cup?

Once again, on day two of the Vitality Netball Nations Cup in Birmingham, there were plenty of Superleague players in actions so we’ve taken another look at what we can learn and what we can expect to see in the 2020 season.

Wilson’s versatility

The more Celtic Dragons fans see of Latanya Wilson the more they have to get excited about. Starting at GD against the current world champions in only her fifth cap for Jamaica, Wilson looked assured and comfortable. There is no doubt it was a daunting task but the 19-year-old stood up to the challenge at hand and got in a number of crucial touches to break down the stong New Zealand attack.

It wasn't to be for @celtic_dragons' Latanya Wilson and her @NetballJamaica teammates against @SilverFernsNZ

But an impressive showing for the #VNSL2020 player featuring at GD, C and finally GK 😱👏 https://t.co/e6RbCwPvOQ

— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) January 22, 2020

After taking a break in the second quarter, Wilson returned to the court at half-time in an eye-catching move to C. Her athleticism and defensive prowess was on show for all to see. This versatility adds to Wilson’s value and it will be interesting to see how she develops throughout the Superleague season.

Before the end of the game, Wilson returned to the defensive third and finished the game at GK.

Same but different

Whether it’s against Wasps Netball in the Grand Final or South Africa at the Vitality Netball Nations Cup, it doesn’t matter to Eleanor Cardwell.

The Proteas capitalise and cut the gap to two goals ✂️

But Eleanor Cardwell delivers the goods with 3⃣ in a row and the Vitality Roses lead 56-51 with two minutes remaining.

➡️ Razia Quashie enters the game at GK with Stacey Francis now at GD. pic.twitter.com/kp8ybzn7wC

— England Netball 🌹 (@EnglandNetball) January 22, 2020

The Blackpool-born Manchester Thunder shooter took on the South African side with the cool, calm and collected nature that was on display in the 2019 Grand Final.

Her confidence to take on the shot when needed was clear for all to see and, as the game progressed, her link-up play with former Wasps player Natalie Haythornthwaite proved fruitful for the Vitality Roses.

With Manchester Thunder looking to retain the Vitality Netball Superleague title in 2020, an on-form and firing Cardwell could well be the difference in what is shaping up to be an incredibly competitive season.

SPAR Proteas packed with Superleague experience

With three current Superleague players in the South African squad in the form of Sigi Burger, Zanele Vimbela and Khanyisa Chawene of London Pulse, Strathclyde Sirens and Team Bath respectively along with another five players with Superleague experience, the league’s influence is being felt.

Bongi Msomi is well known across the league for her stints at Wasps and Surrey Storm where her explosive style was enjoyed by her sides and feared by oppositions. Shadine van der Merwe spent the 2019 season with Surrey Storm while Karla Pretorius and Lenize Potgieter have both previously represented Team Bath.

Phumza Maweni has represented two Superleague sides having featured for both Loughborough Lightning and Severn Stars.

The Vitality Netball Nations Cup continues over the weekend when, on Saturday, South Africa face New Zealand and the Vitality Roses take on Jamaica.

The competition comes to a conclusion on Sunday when a third-place play-off and the final take place in London.

You can also follow all of the action live via the Vitality Netball Superleague Twitter account and on Sky Sports, who will also be streaming an event on their official YouTube channel.

To stay up to date with the Vitality Netball Superleague, including player movements, tickets and the latest news make sure you sign up to the Vitality Netball Superleague mailing list, you can sign up here.