New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu building for future

NEW Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu has acknowledged inexperience in the midcourt is a huge concern for the Silver Ferns.

Joline Henry

NEW Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu has acknowledged inexperience in the midcourt is a huge concern for the Silver Ferns.

But she believes it is a prime opportunity, with the Silver Ferns starting a four-year cycle, for youngsters to make a statement and secure a spot for the international season.

The Silver Ferns have announced their squad to challenge Australia for the Constellation Cup in September, followed by the quad series involving NZ, the Diamonds, England and South Africa in October and November.

While the Silver Ferns have experience and brilliance at both ends of the court, the midcourt appears vulnerable following the retirement of Temepara George and the absence of the experienced Joline Henry.

Henry is unavailable after announcing her pregnancy but is hoping to return to ANZ Championship action and the Silver Ferns next year.

"I'm aware the midcourt is inexperienced and we have invited players who we feel have a future and have performed well in the ANZ Championship," Taumaunu said. "We have people wanting to come back in next year so this is an opportunity for the young ones to grab a spot.

"It is the beginning of a four-year cycle for us. If someone wants to put their hand up, this is the time. We will see what we have got in the midcourt, I have no hesitation about that."

The Silver Ferns will meet the Diamonds in a three-test series for the Constellation Cup, with games in Melbourne (September 16), Auckland four days later and Christchurch on September 23. The six-round quad series starts in Adelaide on October 14, with Australia taking on England and the Silver Ferns facing South Africa in the double header.

Taumaunu said there would be little experimenting in the battles with the Diamonds.

"I'm a conservative coach and the Australians bring out the conservative in me," she said. "I have far too much respect for Australia (to be using the games to experiment)."

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander named a 22-strong squad last week and Taumaunu admitted she was envious.

"The Diamonds can leave out names like Lauren Nourse, Amy Steel and Kate Beveridge," Taumaunu said. "In some countries they would be in the first group and it would still be a strong squad."

Taumaunu visited the five Kiwi ANZ Championship franchises monthly to watch the development of players. Depending on the requirements of each coach, Taumaunu had a hands-on role early in the season but just observed training in the latter months.

Alexander also attended training sessions with the Australian franchises.

"I'm excited about the international season, more than I expected to (be)," Taumaunu said. "Being involved with the players and travelling through the franchises.

"It is always great to get the NZ team together and see how good it can be."

NZ selectors named 25 players who have been invited to trial for positions with the Silver Ferns and national accelerant squads. The trials will be held in Auckland from August 13-16. The final team of 12 will then be revealed, as will the Silver Ferns squad and the National Accelerant squad.

Current Silver Ferns Squad Members:
Cathrine Latu, Leana de Bruin, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk ,Laura Langman, Kayla Cullen, Anna Harrison, Casey Williams, Katrina Grant, Camilla Lees, Paula Griffin, Grace Rasmussen, Anna Thompson.

Current National Accelerant Squad Members:
Ellen Halpenny, Julianna Naoupu, Jess Tuki, Shannon Francois, Daya Wiffen, Jessica Moulds.

Invited Players:
Elias Shadrock, Keisha Grant, Bailey Mes, Jodi Brown, Gina Crampton, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickitt.

Constellation Cup:
September 16, Diamonds v NZ, Hisense Arena, Melbourne
September 20, Silver Ferns v Diamonds, Vector Arena, Auckland
September 23, Silver Ferns v Diamonds, CBS Canterbury Arena, Christchurch

Quad series:
October 14 - Diamonds v England, Silver Ferns v South Africa, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
October 17 - Silver Ferns v England, Diamonds v South Africa, Newcastle Entertainment Centre
October 21 - Diamonds v Silver Ferns, England v South Africa, Allphones Arena, Sydney
October 25 - Diamonds v South Africa, Silver Ferns v England, TSB Bank Arena, Wellington
October 28 - Diamonds v England, Silver Ferns v South Africa, TECT Arena, Tauranga
November 1 - England v South Africa, Silver Ferns v Diamonds, Claudelands, Hamilton