Fiji and Samoa keen to bounce back at Netball champs

Fiji and Samoa are looking to bounce back today after opening round defeats at the Netball World Cup.

The Fiji Pearls were beaten 59-52 by Wales in the first game of the tournament.

Fiji had led by three goals after the opening period, and actually won three of the four quarters, but a horror second term saw them nine goals behind at half-time, a gap they were unable to close.

Taraima Mitchell was impressive under the hoop, landing all 35 of her attempts at goal.

Next up for the Pacific champions is Uganda this afternoon.

Samoa were outclassed 90-44 by Jamaica first-up and have their best shot at victory in the pool stage tonight against Scotland.

Meanwhile, the Silver Ferns have opened their Netball World Cup Campaign with an easy 73-28 win over Barbados.

New Zealand coach Wai Taumaunu was able to give her entire squad a run, with the world's ninth-ranked team not offering much resistance.