Australia could receive its biggest slap in the face yet in tonight's second test against the Silver Ferns in Sydney.

They have long said the success of the Silver Ferns is down to Irene van Dyk but Australia could be about to eat its words if coach Ruth Aitken takes the gamble of not using van Dyk for part of tonight's match.

Aitken is not ruling out using Maria Tutaia at goal shoot and Belinda Colling at goal attack for some of the game as she is looking to develop her side for the world championships and cater for the possible retirement of van Dyk.

Aitken claims it is not a risk, as she backs both players.

Whatever happens, there will be plenty of attention on Tutaia after such an impressive match against the Australians in Brisbane.

Aitken has plenty to think about as she prepares to name her side for tonight's test.

The defence end is sure to have caused further debate with Leana de Bruin impressive in her first start against the Australians.

Vilimaina Davu was effective in rattling the Australians, while Anna Scarlett was quick in the circle.

There is also Casey Williams, who missed out on Saturday and is sure to get a run tonight.

Once again, Aitken will have to wait until just before game time to reveal what she has decided.

As for the Australians, coach Norma Plummer is almost expecting Irene van Dyk to be rested for part of tonight's test.

Plummer believes that if ever Aitken was going to have a chance this would be it, as she has to start building for some time when van Dyk does retire.

Plummer recognises that, unlike her own team, Aitken can afford such changes.

She says when a team has options and is winning, it is pretty easy and she wishes she had the depth in her side to be able to have that same choice.

Despite some Australian perceptions that the Silver Ferns are only unbeatable due to van Dyk, Plummer insists they will not be taking Tutaia and Colling lightly, should they take the court together.

While still backing her own side, Plummer has labelled this New Zealand side as the best she has seen.

Plummer has also, once again, claimed her team's secrets were leaked to New Zealand, and have helped the Silver Ferns establish a trans-Tasman dominance.

The Australians have not beaten New Zealand since 2004.

Plummer says it has not helped that secret information including training methods and physiological statistics had been passed to the Silver Ferns from New Zealanders studying at the Australian Institute of Sport.

These accusations are not new as Plummer first made the accusations when she became Australian coach after the 2003 World Championships, but they will surely spice up tonight's second test.