
The Silver Ferns defeated old foes Australia in the Netball World Cup final in England in a thrilling match, which the New Zealand team won by a single point.
"People started texting me and contacting me during the game".
"I have just got to suss things out".
They led 28-25 at halftime and marginally extended their advantage to four going into the final stanza.
The Silver Ferns completed a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes, with the global triumph coming just 15 months after a thumping 65-44 defeat to Australia in the Commonwealth Games semi-finals.
"I have no doubt they will receive a heroes welcome when they come home".
Despite evident early nerves, captain Guthrie insisted the occasion had not got to her team, and said it was her intention to rally them for Sunday's game and ensure a place on the podium.
New Zealand players celebrate.
Though she did not mind watching, she was more used to being courtside at World Championships.
England coach Tracey Neville felt her side ran out of legs (Nigel French/PA).
And it gave them their first world title since their win over the Australians in Kingston, Jamaica in 2003 - since when their opponents had turned the tables with three consecutive crowns. "It was pretty tough out there - their shooting circle and their defensive line were really impressive today, so although we weren't as happy as we could have been with the second half, we had enough lead from our solid first-half performance to hold them out".
New Zealand national cricket veteran Ross Taylor passed on his congratulations.
Australia had rested players for the semifinal, and Muir said that may have come back to hurt them. "Whoever we play will be a great match". Ekenasio was also displaying her shooting range, making all seven of her goal attempts in the second quarter.
Up until a year ago, Alexander has overseen success after success starting with gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and followed by the 2015 World Cup triumph in Sydney.
Maria Folau led the scoring charts for the Silver Ferns but it was the uncanny accuracy of team-mate Amelianne Ekensasio that began to make the difference as her team started to turn on the style.