Ferns Team to Face Diamonds

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

Earlier this month this years Silver Fern and National Accelerant Squad's were named for the test series against Australia and Malawi. From a squad of 15, 12 have now been chosen for the test series against the Diamonds to kick off next month.

Silver Ferns to Face Diamonds
Casey Kopua (Captain)
Laura Langman (Vice-captain)
Jodi Brown
Leana de Bruin
Katrina Grant
Joline Henry
Cat Latu
Millie Lees
Courtney Tairi
Maria Tutaia
Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit
Irene van Dyk

Players who missed out
Katarina Cooper
Kayla Cullen - injury related
Anna Thompson

With 2 debutants to keep their place in the squad of 12 it would be fantastic to hope that both Tairi and Selby-Rickit could get an opportunity to play against Australia. With the Commonwealth Games next year it is a good time to perhaps give players outside of the starting 7 game time against the best in the world. Similar to last year if the Constellation Cup is locked away with a game to spare by either team then its the perfect time to throw the youngsters into the cauldron.

Not surprising that Canterbury Tactix captain Anna Thompson has not been selected in the 12, after a rather disappointing ANZ Championship season, she will have to work hard to regain a spot over Tairi in the squad. 

Big big loss with Kayla Cullen sidelined with a knee injury, if her twitter picture is anything to go buy, surgery is well and truly needed. This probably means that Joline will find herself in the WD position during the campaign, with the likelihood of another defender being used is slim at best. 

22 days and counting until the first test match in the deep south.

What do you think of the 12 chosen?