Game day beckons at Junior Worlds

The New Zealand Junior Women are but a few days out from their opening match of the FINA World Women's Water Polo Championships in Volos, Greece. The Kiwi Juniors will take on Brazil on Monday at 11:40am (EEST), or 8:40pm (NZST - Volos 9 hours behind New Zealand).

Volos 2015 venue: The National Stadium of Volos

After five wins in a row against the Great British side in Manchester, the team departed for Greece and were embraced by the warm weather. It has been a gradual temperature-build for the Kiwis, who left chilly conditions in Auckland, to 20+ in Manchester, and are now enveloped by 30 degree heat in Volos.

Katie McKenty and Ricci Ferigo lapping up the heat from the hotel deck

The team is residing at the Park Hotel; which will act effectively as an athletes' village with Russia, Netherlands, Canada, USA, Australia, and Italy also staying there.

"We've trained twice so far," said Katie McKenty on Saturday "last night and this morning both alongside Russia who we are having a two-quarter scrimmage with tonight."

The Kiwis won't line up against any sides they met in 2013 in this year's group play, but do carry some valuable experience from previous international water polo.

The majority of the team poolside at the National Stadium of Volos

New Zealand will be keen to top their 10th placing from the same venue at the 2013 World Championships, where Simone Couvée and Ricci Ferigo were amongst the youngest players in the side.

Ferigo was also a member of the New Zealand women's team at the FINA Intercontinental Tournament in Auckland earlier this year.

"I really enjoyed playing 6-6 at international level with World League, and our first game at Worlds is against Brazil." After a late comeback, the New Zealand women held Brazil to a draw in Auckland, and eventually fell in penalties.

Ferigo puts up a block against Brazil at the FINA Intercontinental Tournament

Another player who will provide valuable insight to the Brazillian side is youngester Liana Dance, who has made a smooth return to the Junior team after being a valuable centreforward in Kazan. Dance said earlier that Brazil "had about four junior girls in their starting lineup in Kazan so they’re going to be solid in Greece."

New Zealand will need to keep an eye on centreforward #2 Diana Alba, #5 Mariana Duarte #6 Izabella Chiappini - who scored 17 goals for her country in Kazan - and #10 Lorena Borges. Meanwhile, Victoria Chamorro will be solid in goal after gaining valuable experience at World Championships for Brazil's senior side.

The New Zealanders clash with Brazil on Monday at 8:40pm NZST - you can follow live updates on the official Volos 2015 website here.

It's a busy schedule for the Kiwis, who take on Hungary on Tuesday and then South Africa on Wednesday. The tournament follows through until finals on Sunday.