Silver Ferns team named for Constellation Cup

Silver Ferns team named for Constellation Cup

Wednesday 7 October, 2015

The Silver Ferns have named a strong line-up to face the world champion Australian Diamonds in the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup in October.

Only one change has been made to the team that won silver at Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015, with shooter Ameliaranne Wells coming into the line-up, replacing Maria Tutaia who is on extended leave.

Wells made her Silver Ferns debut against the Australian Diamonds in the second Test of the Constellation Cup in Melbourne last year, and has three international caps to her name.

Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu said Wells’ ability to play goal attack and shoot accurately from range make her the ideal replacement for Tutaia.

“Ameliaranne is strong on the shot, has good movement around the circle and provides a long range shooting game that complements our other shooters,” Taumaunu said.

“We’re all looking forward to this Test Series – playing against Australia is always a challenge and it’s a great rivalry.

“As a team, it is important we continue to play courageous Netball. We made some big improvements over the World Cup and we need to ensure that we continue to build on the platform we’ve set.”

The four-Test Series will be the first time fans can see the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds in action since the Gold Medal Match at NWC2015.

It will also be the last Test Series at the helm for Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu after announcing she would not seek reappointment.

The New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup will see the Silver Ferns host the first two matches at Horncastle Arena, Christchurch (October 20) and Vector Arena, Auckland (October 22), before they cross the Tasman for the final matches in Melbourne (October 25) and Perth (October 30).

A limited number of tickets remain for the Test Matches in Christchurch and Auckland. Fans are encouraged to secure their seat quickly to see Netball’s greatest rivalry when it returns to New Zealand shores.

The Silver Ferns team will be available for interviews from 1pm today at the Millennium Institute of Sport, Level 2, The Commonwealth Room.

Silver Ferns team
Name (2015 ANZ Championship Team / Zone)
Jodi Brown (Central Pulse / Netball Central)
Kayla Cullen (Northern Mystics / Netball Northern)
Leana de Bruin (WBOP Magic / Netball WBOP)
Shannon Francois (Southern Steel / Netball South)
Katrina Grant (Central Pulse / Netball Central)
Phoenix Karaka (Southern Steel / Netball South)
Casey Kopua (WBOP Magic / Netball WBOP)
Laura Langman (Northern Mystics / Netball Northern)
Bailey Mes (Mainland Tactix / Netball Mainland)
Malia Paseka (WBOP Magic / Netball WBOP)
Grace Rasmussen (WBOP Magic / Netball WBOP)
Ameliaranne Wells (Central Pulse / Netball Central)

ends

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