Silver Ferns
How will they go? That must be the main question considering they have not played since January, and this is a different squad.
Wing attack Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is out for the season and Jane Watson has made herself unavailable, alongside Te Paea Selby-Rickit. It is also the beginning of a new cycle for Noeline Taurua and Deb Fuller — who were reinstated as coach and assistant coach — as they build towards the World Cup.
New faces in midcourter Claire O’Brien and defender Parris Mason could be in line for their debuts, while Kimiora Poi finally gets another shot after a good domestic season.
England Roses
Twelve months ago, all the chat was around the Roses sending what was viewed as a B team to New Zealand. Only five players from that tour return and some of the big guns are back in Helen Housby, Fran Williams and Funmi Fadoju.
The Roses come in after a three-test series against Australia this week. While they lost that series 2-1, the Roses won the second test, just their third win over the Diamonds in Australia.
Shooter Liv Tchine, in the absence of Eleanor Cardwell, missed three goals across three games but is relatively unknown. Nat Metcalf, who was in Australia, missed the series and she will be returning to home to manage a medical issue.
Captain, my captain
The Silver Ferns welcome back Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who took leave during the Nations Cup. She is the only specialist goal attack, and Maia Wilson will have to serve as a back-up. While Amelia Walmsley played a little out the front domestically, you would assume she is not ready to be thrown there internationally. That means Ekenasio will carry a large workload, and how they manage her will be crucial throughout this series and the Constellation Cup next month.
Pieces to the puzzle
All the players are there for the Silver Ferns, but how they fit is the mystery. With no Reuelu-Buchanan, Whitney Souness must start at wing attack — but who joins her?
Kate Heffernan has been the starting centre, but Maddy Gordon has also been dynamic. Heffernan slots back nicely to wing defence.
But that would mean Karin Burger is either pushed to goal defence or on the bench. Can the Silver Ferns afford to have Burger on the bench or is the ball-getter more of an impact player now?
Whoever starts at goal defence has a big challenge in eliminating Housby. Is this the series for New Zealand to try new combinations and see how things work? Could we see less of Grace Nweke as the Silver Ferns prepare to be without her services next year?
Wait and see.
Different approach
Keep a close eye on the sidelines to see how the coaches’ attitudes effect their teams.
Taurua and Fuller are similar in their approach, cheering when needed but usually reserved until the breaks. They really need to fire and get the team off on the right track.
Roses head coach Jess Thirlby is also not known for being outspoken, but her sidekick is different. Former Roses shooter Jo Harten is a specialist coach and was one of the most passionate players around. That attitude translates into her coaching style as she is never afraid to show her emotions on the sideline.
Taini Jamison Trophy
The squads
Silver Ferns: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Maia Wilson, Claire O’Brien, Kimiora Poi, Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Karin Burger, Kelly Jackson, Phoenix Karaka, Parris Mason.
England Roses: Helen Housby, Berri Neil, Lois Pearson, Liv Tchine, Imogen Allison, Amy Carter, Beth Cobden, Hannah Joseph, Ellie Rattu, Funmi Fadoju, Alice Harvey, Razia Quashie, Fran Williams.
Draw
1st test: Sunday, 7.30pm, Auckland
2nd test: v England Roses, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Wellington
3rd test: v England Roses, October 6, 7.30pm, Invercargill
