A disrupted Farah Palmer Cup has not prevented a large contingent of rookies being named in the Black Ferns squad.
Twelve debutants were named in the 34-player squad for the coming tour of England and France.
A further four players’ only experience in the jersey came in last year’s domestic series.
Olympians Portia Woodman, Kelly Brazier and Cheyelle Robins-Reti return to the team, following a successful Tokyo campaign.
Renee Wickliffe and Ayesha Leti-I’iga return from injury to join them in the outside backs.
Coach Glenn Moore has shown faith in an exciting group of youngsters.
Teenage duo Patricia Maliepo and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, sister of Highlander Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, are selected alongside 20-year-olds Dhys Faleafaga and Maia Roos.
Les Elder returns to captain the side after missing the 2020 season.
"Les is a crucial part of our set-up. She’s an outstanding player, leads from the front and has the ability to galvanise people around her," Moore said.
"Ella [Blackwell] did a great job last year when we had the domestic hit-out.
"She and Kendra are named as vice-captains, and I’m confident this leadership group will do an outstanding job."
Lockdown had had an impact, Moore said.
"It meant we had to reflect more on the early rounds of Farah Palmer Cup and some of the situational games we’d played in camps this year."
It was one of the most difficult selection processes he could recall.
