Four on the floor as netballers fire their first shots in Quad Series
Silver Ferns
The Quad Series will provide the first look at the direction new coach Janine Southby plans to take with the group. There have been five changes to the New Zealand side from last year’s World Cup — all forced through either retirement, injury or pregnancy (in the case of shooter Jodi Brown, all three) — giving the Ferns a new dynamic.
The hardest-hit area is the shooting end, where Bailey Mes, who cemented her place in the starting line-up only last season, suddenly finds herself the veteran in the shooting circle.
Australia
The Diamonds are heavy favourites to take out the series. Not only are they world champions, they have the most settled programme, with Lisa Alexander entering her sixth season in charge of the national team.
Alexander has made a couple of tweaks to her side for the series, with young defender Kristiana Manu’a replacing inspirational defender Laura Geitz, who is being rested for the series, while versatile Swifts shooter Steph Wood is also in line to make her debut.
England
There’s been major change in the England squad, with coach Tracey Neville selecting a squad with an eye to the future.
Just six players return from last year’s World Cup — Jade Clarke, Jo Harten, Serena Guthrie, Helen Housby, Geva Mentor and Stacey Francis — with the remainder of squad largely made up of inexperienced players, including three new caps.
Defender Ama Agbeze will captain the side for the first time in tomorrow’s opener against the Silver Ferns.
South Africa
The Proteas suffered a major blow just weeks out from the series, losing captain Maryka Holtzhausen to a knee injury. Holtzhausen has been replaced by uncapped shooter Lindie Lombard, one of five players with three or less test caps.
While it is a largely raw South African side, they do not lack for experience on their bench, with former Australian coach Norma Plummer remaining at the helm, despite initially intending to help out the team only on a short-term basis.