Dame Lois Muir believes newly appointed Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu will shine in the role.
Muir, who led the Silver Ferns from 1974 to 1988, coached Taumaunu for several years and says she has enormous respect for her as a player and coach.
"She is new to the role and I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to say how she will run the ship," Muir said.
"But she brings a lot of credibility, a lot of knowledge and a lot of passion. She was a very good leader in her playing days and I think it is a great opportunity for her.
"I don't think we've seen the best of her yet. She has done other coaching but now she has licence to kill and I think it will be very exciting for her."
Taumaunu has had a solid grounding at international level, assisting Ruth Aitken for the past four years.
Aitken, who has led the team for the last 10 years, had planned to bow out after the three-game test series against Australia later this month. But she has pulled out for personal reasons, which has thrust Taumaunu into the spotlight earlier than anticipated.
"It is the right decision because you can't do the job justice if you have your mind elsewhere," Muir said.
Aitken compiled an impressive record of 87 wins from 112 matches - a success rate of 77%.
It is a tough act to follow but Muir believes the "no-nonsense" Taumaunu has plenty to offer.
"She communicates well with people and that is the key. But she also sets very high standards.
She'll probably take no prisoners. People will have to front up and do the work and so they should.""That was her work ethic.
She was a key player and instrumental in helping the '87 side win the world championships, and one of the team leaders in the group.
"She also comes from the defence end and has a defensive bent. But that has to happen in the game now, because you've got to get more ball and get turnovers. So she comes with those skills."
