Silver Ferns return stars for crucial South African tournament
The Silver Ferns have added invaluable experience to their squad as the build into their defence of the World Cup in 2023. They are set to gain 165 test caps with defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger, and midcourters Gina Crampton and Claire Kersten named in the team for next month’s Netball Quad Series in South Africa.
The series in Cape Town from January 22-26 features South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia and will foreshadow the World Cup in the same city in late July and early August. The Silver Ferns won the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool, England.
Watson (maternity leave), Burger (injury), Crampton (sabbatical) and Kersten, who last played at this year’s Netball Quad Series in January, add to the spine of the 14-strong squad named on Monday.
Wing attack Peta Toeava has retained her spot in the side after making an impact during October’s Constellation Cup while the shooting circle remains unchanged, led by captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua said she was delighted to welcome back the experienced heads, with Watson, Burger, and Crampton all 2019 World Cup winners, and was excited to see what they would bring to the Silver Ferns mix after some time away.
“The Quad Series is a stage of our planning as we build up to the 2023 Netball World Cup. We cannot underestimate the amount of netball nous and leadership that returns to the court with these players,” Taurua said.
“It is a significant year ahead with the World Cup in South Africa, so that big-game experience becomes crucial, and I can see the work they have done behind the scenes has supported their desire to be back in the Silver Ferns environment. They haven’t relied on the past, they earned their selection.
“Karin has returned from a foot injury and has made great progress. She really adds that extra height to the midcourt and can cover either position in the defensive circle, so she brings plenty of versatility to that end of the court.”
It will be an opportunity for Burger to resume a defensive pairing with Watson – the duo last playing together for the Tactix in 2021.
The Silver Ferns will depart for Cape Town on January 15.
Silver Ferns : Karin Burger, Gina Crampton, Ameliaranne Ekenasio (captain), Sulu Fitzpatrick, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Claire Kersten, Grace Nweke, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Whitney Souness, Peta Toeava, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson.
2023 Netball Quad Series - Sunday 22 January, 3am Silver Ferns v South Africa, Monday 23 January 5am - Silver Ferns v Australia, Wednesday 25 January, 3am - Silver Ferns v England, Thursday 26 January, 3am - 3rd v 4th playoff, 5am – Final.