New Zealand relishing battle with World Cup hosts South Africa

The defending world champions and current No. 2-ranked nation have swept aside every opponent at the showpiece in Cape Town thus far, but face their biggest tests against the fifth and fourth-ranked teams in Pool G on Wednesday and Thursday.

Taurua, who stunningly led the Silver Ferns to a first World Cup title in 16 years back in Liverpool four years ago, is relishing the test against the host nation as well as the Sunshine Girls, who – like themselves – have also yet to taste defeat in the tournament.

"It's all on. This is what it's all about, this is what we live for in the business end that we are entering. One thing that we always say is we wanna enjoy the moment. We don't wanna be caught up in the pressure and the expectation. We are here to play to win and our mantra hasn't changed," Taurua said.

Having gotten a taste of facing the Proteas on home soil in the Quad Series played in Cape Town in January, the 55-year-old tactician admits it will be a massive test out on CTICC Court 1 come Wednesday evening (18h00).

"One thing that we learnt when we were here in January is it's not only South Africa, it's the people who were sitting in the stands. I'm not too sure who scares me the most. So, it's gonna be vocal out there. 

I think the last game [against Jamaica] they might have not been happy with what they put out because I know that they're actually a better team and I have so much respect for Plums [Norma Plummer], so it's all on."