The Silver Ferns have named an almost unchanged squad ahead of their Constellation Cup opener this Sunday in Wellington.
Experienced defender Phoenix Karaka returns to the side after she was forced to miss the Taini Jamison Trophy series against England due to illness.
Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua was pleased to welcome Karaka back into the side.
"Phoenix’s return is a massive boost for us. She brings leadership and strength to our defensive end, and her experience will be crucial as we prepare to face Australia,” Taurua said.
The Silver Ferns come into the Constellation Cup series off the back of a 2-1 series defeat against the England Roses. After going 2-0 down in the series, they managed to win the last game 61-56 in Invercargill.
"In the last game, we were able to finally get the things together that we wanted and there's still areas to work on — but keeping that momentum and consolidating the base is a reason for selections."
Taurua emphasised the importance of reducing the Silver Ferns' error count, which was a growing issue in the England series.
"Ball possession is something we need to improve, we’re getting a lot of gains from our defensive end but unfortunately against England, we kept coughing up the ball.
"We need to reduce our errors to be competitive with Australia, that’s been the messaging."
The Australian Diamonds head into the competition following a 2-1 series victory against England last month.
Australia led the Constellation Cup series 2-0 last year, before the Silver Ferns came back to win the last two Tests in New Zealand. The Kiwis lost the series on goal percentage.
In the lead-up to the series, the Silver Ferns will also train against an NZA side, coached by Mary-Jane Araroa, with Anna Andrews-Tasola as coach support.
The Constellation Cup gets underway on Sunday in Wellington, followed by matches in Auckland, Perth, and Melbourne.
Silver Ferns team for Constellation Cup:
Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, Phoenix Karaka, Parris Mason* (subject to medical clearance), Erena Mikaere, Grace Nweke, Claire O’Brien, Kimiora Poi, Amelia Walmsley, Maia Wilson
Constellation Cup matches v Australian Diamonds:
Sunday, October 20 - TSB Stadium, Wellington
Wednesday, October 23 - Spark Arena, Auckland
Sunday, October 27 - RAC Arena, Perth
Wednesday, October 30 - John Cain Arena, Melbourne
SHARE ME