Netball World Cup - five things you need to know
Thursday 6 August 2015 17:43, UK
The 2015 Netball World Cup starts on Friday August 7 exclusively live on Sky Sports. Here we've compiled all the info you need to know to enjoy the tournament...
Where is it?
The world's best netballers will gather in Sydney to play 64 matches over 10 days across two venues from Friday August 7. The Allphones Arena will host most of the matches and could break attendances records if 16,300 bums fill the Olympic Park venue's seats. The other matches will be held at the Netball Central Arena.
Sydney is nine hours in front of UK which means match times range from an eye-watering 5:15am to the relative lie-in of 11:45am.
Who is playing?
This will be the 14th edition of the Netball World Cup with 16 countries represented.
Three countries are there from the British Isles: England (3), Wales (8) and Scotland (11), who are also the only European representatives at the competition.
Host nation Australia (1) are joined by rivals New Zealand (2) from Oceania, plus Fiji (7) and Samoa (13).
A strong Jamaican side (3) head up the Caribbean nations along with Barbados (9) and Trinidad & Tobago (10).
There’s a strong contingent from Africa with South Africa (5), Malawi (6), Uganda (14) and Zambia (16) looking to make their mark on the event.
While from Asia, Singapore (15) and Sri Lanka (22) make the trip down under.
Who are the favourites?
Unsurprisingly current Commonwealth and world champions Australia are the outright favourites for the title. The hosts are the most decorated nation in netball history and their current crop of talent is up there as one of the greatest generations.
Captain Laura Geitz guided her league club Queensland Firebirds to the ANZ Championship this season, and along with squad stalwarts Renae Hallinan, Julie Corletto and Natalie Medhurst, will be confident of retaining this international trophy.
There have only been three occasions that the Diamonds have not walked away winners of the Netball World Cup and they have never finished lower than second.
What about the home nations?
England have a high expectations of reaching the final, with head coach Tracey Neville challenged with coming back with at least silver from her first major tournament at the helm.
Scotland and Wales will be targeting places in the second round-robin. The Scottish Thistles have a tough Pool B that includes England, Jamaica and Samoa. Wales have a good chance of reaching the top eight; they need to come in the top two of Pool D with Uganda, Zambia and Fiji battling them for that position.
How can you watch?
As well as at least three hours of live daily match coverage exclusively live on Sky Sports, viewers will be kept up to date with all the results, news and match reaction on Sky Sports News HQ, skysports.com and can join the conversation with @SkyNetball.
Only Sky brings you the complete sports viewing experience for only £24.50 extra per month. Watch all seven channels whenever and wherever with Sky Go. This price includes the ultimate second screen experience with Sky Sports iPad app included in your contract.
Our sports package Includes Sky Sports News HQ, Sky Sports 5 and Sky Sports F1.
If you're a Sky Sports subscriber, you'll be able to watch the Netball World Cup live on mobile, laptop and selected tablets via Sky Go.
Watch live footage or catch-up, available at no extra cost to all Sky Sports 1 & 2 customers. Sports highlights are also available with On Demand.
Available on compatible laptop, tablet and mobile devices (requires 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi. UK & Ireland only)
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