Basketball New Zealand

Tall Ferns Natalie Purcell and Jess McCormack at practice (ImageSport NZ)

The NZ Tall Ferns have made the difficult decision not to march in the Olympic opening ceremony tomorrow, choosing to rest up for their opening pool game against Mali the next day.

“Self-sacrifice is what characterises this team,” says coach Mike McHugh. “They have made a collective decision not to march to ensure they are totally prepared and have the best possible chance of performing at their peak.”

The encounter with the African champions is a “must win” if the Ferns are to progress into the quarterfinals and standing around for several hours in draining Beijing heat the night before would seriously affect their chances of victory.

The players and staff will instead watch the festivities from back in the Games Village.

Meanwhile, the Kiwi women are due to face Brazil tonight in their final competitive outing before the Games begin.

COMING SOON – Read Micaela Cocks’ Olympic Diary on the BBNZ website …