New Zealand have made three changes to face Australia in the Constellation Cup, with coach Noeline Taurua tweaking each area of the court for the four-Test series starting in Brisbane on Sunday.
Shooter Maia Wilson gets a chance to add to her seven Tests after replacing Ameliaranne Ekanasio, whose accuracy was faulty during last month’s Quad Series, won by the Diamonds.
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson of the Silver Ferns (left) during the recent Quad Series.
Mid-courter Erikana Pedersen and defender Sulu Fitzpatrick were rewarded for sharp form domestically and replace Elisapeta Toeava and Karin Burger, who both had limited minutes during the Quad Series.
Goalkeeper and ex-Silver Ferns capatin Casey Kopua, who came out of retirement when Taurua was reinstated, remains sidelined by a foot ailment.
Two other injured key defenders missing are Temalisi Fakahokotau (knee) and Kelly Jury (shoulder).
Taurua wants to focus on further improvement, having made strides last month in her first series since replacing Janine Southby.
While the Silver Ferns' final match resulted in a competitive 60-55 loss to Australia in Melbourne, Taurua knows stopping Australia from winning the Constellation Cup for a sixth straight time will be a steep task.
Her target is at least one Test win while continuing to trial combinations in the lead-up to next year's World Cup in England.
"There are limited opportunities to see how our players perform against the best in the world, but we also have to be mindful that we want to build on the performances that the Silver Ferns have produced so far," Taurua said.
Captain Laura Langman will play her 145th Test in Brisbane, equalling the New Zealand record held by shooting great Irene van Dyk.
The series also comprises Tests in Townsville, Hamilton and Wellington.
Silver Ferns: Laura Langman (capt), Aliyah Dunn, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Maia Wilson, Maria Folau, Gina Crampton, Erikana Pedersen, Sam Sinclair, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Katrina Grant, Jane Watson, Sulu Fitzpatrick.
AAP
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