Australian coach Lisa Alexander has set the scene for the most anticipated clash of the Netball World Cup preliminary round, hinting that her Diamonds will go in all guns blazing against New Zealand's Silver Ferns on Sunday. The world's No.1 team warmed up for its arch rivals with a clinical and polished demolition of Barbados at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday, making it two from two for the tournament favourites after their 73-32 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Friday night. 
''I think we're as sharp as we can be at this stage of the tournament,'' Alexander said.
''It's always hard, you've got to try and build for your best performances towards the end of the week. But we've got to put out a good one tomorrow.
''We respect Barbados and Trinidad but at the end of the day they're not at the same level as the Silver Ferns. You can see from the Silver Ferns' performances so far that they've come to play and they're ready and they're raring and they've got nothing to lose.''
Logistically, a win is not imperative for either side. However, Alexander said, as a confidence-booster a win was important.
''Absolutely. If anyone says it's not, they're telling fibs,'' she said. ''We want to win every game because it puts us in the best position for finals. I've always ascribed to that as a coach. You don't muck around with form and combinations just for the sake of it.''
Diamonds captain Laura Geitz said there was plenty of excitement in the camp about facing New Zealand but warned the hosts were unsure what to expect from a side featuring plenty of new names. She said her teammates and staff would do their homework, but the Diamonds always sought to formulate plans that could work against any opponent.
''I think for us we just have to be clear about what we're doing out on court, be proactive and not reactive,'' Geitz said.
''In saying that I think that they'll play different netball to what we're used to New Zealand playing. That's something that as a group we need to be able to adjust to quickly.''
Whereas they were rusty against Trinidad and Tobago, the Diamonds exploded out of the blocks against Barbados to claim at 20-3 lead at the first break, which they extended to 38-7 at half-time. As she did in game one, Alexander made a swath of changes at half-time. But it didn't slow the Australians, who led by 50 goals by the final break.