3 minute read
NZ captain Laura Langman will lead netball's All-Stars team against Australia in the bushfire fundraiser which doubles as Lisa Alexander's last game as coach.
New Zealand netball superstar Laura Langman won't be taking it easy in Lisa Alexander's last game overseeing the Diamonds and says that's the way the popular veteran coach would want it.
Langman has been named captain of the All-Stars team to take on Alexander's Australian side in their bushfire fundraising match in Sydney this Sunday.
The Qudos Bank Arena encounter doubles as Alexander's farewell from the Australia post after more than eight years in the job, with the coach not offered a new contract.
As Silver Ferns captain, Langman contributed to the end of Alexander's reign by leading her team to a one-goal victory in last year's netball world cup title decider in Liverpool, England.
But Langman said she wouldn't get sentimental about Alexander's last hurrah.
"I think Lisa is the ultimate competitor and she would want nothing less than our best," Langman told AAP.
"I'm excited to be able to salute Lisa on an absolutely wonderful career so it's an opportunity to acknowledge and help out those families who have been affected by the bushfires but also acknowledge a netball great."
Langman expects the Diamonds, led by long-time captain Caitlin Bassett, to lift for the occasion.
"I've been on the receiving end of a pretty big loss when they were celebrating a few 100-game milestones so they generally do everything they can to celebrate," the 33-year-old said.
The New Zealand skipper will lead a star-studded team that includes Jamaican shooting sensation Jhaniele Fowler, South Africa's Karla Pretorius, England's Geva Mentor and Melbourne Vixens midcourt ace Kate Maloney.
Langman said she was flattered to be named captain and was looking forward to playing with and against the world's best for a great cause.
"Our attacking forward line is so exciting and I'm really looking forward to spending some time playing alongside Kate (Maloney) as opposed to against her as the intensity that she plays at is wonderful and I'd love for that to rub off on me," Langman said.
"It's an honour to be involved in this incredible event."
