Saunders sole southerner in NZ squad
NETBALL
SHANNON Saunders has ensured the South is represented in the latest Silver Ferns squad.
The midcourter was the lone Southern Steel player named in the squad for next month’s Constellation Cup.
The series will consist of four tests against Australia, on March 2 and 3 in Christchurch and March 6 and 7 in Tauranga.
Former longtime Steel midcourter Gina Crampton, who has moved to the Northern Stars this year, is also included.
Maddy Gordon, who made the squad late last year, is the only player yet to make her international debut.
Bailey Mes returns to the shooting circle after a lengthy injury layoff, while former Steel shooter Te Paea SelbyRickit drops out.
Head coach Noeline Taurua said the series would provide an ideal buildup to next year’s Commonwealth Games and the World Cup a year later.
She wanted to pick a bigger squad — 14 players — and pick a team of 12 for each match.
The midcourt, in particular, had depth, with seven players to cover those three slots.
“Silver Ferns and New Zealand netball is laden with amazing midcourt players at the moment,’’ Taurua said.
‘‘They all have a point of difference and they all are impressively fit and hard workers.
‘‘There will be a time when
somebody would have to be dropped because of numbers.
‘‘That time is not now, as we continue to build depth.’’
The series marks the first time in over a year since the world No 1 Australian Diamonds played an international test.
Taurua said that added to the excitement of the traditional transtasman rivalry.
“I know the Diamonds will be excited to get back out on court after such a long break from playing international netball.
‘‘We are equally excited to play all four tests against the world No 1 netball team on our home soil in front of our home crowd.
“It’s series like these, against our longtime rivals, which really showcases the best netball ever.’’