By JULIE ASH
Three new players have been named in the Tall Ferns squad to play Australia next month.
Charmian Smith (North Harbour), Renee Wharekura (Texas) and Angelina Yates (Otago) join coach Tracy Carpenter's 11-strong squad to take on Australia to determine who will represent the Oceania region in next year's
world championships in Japan.
The first test is in Invercargill on September 14 and the second in Christchurch the next day. If the series is tied, a deciding third test will be played in Christchurch on September 16.
Carpenter said Smith, Wharekura and Yates were young, talented players, and he was looking forward to seeing them combine with some of the more experienced members of the squad.
"The nucleus of the team from the Olympics has pretty much stayed intact," he said.
"There is a nice blend of youth and experience."
Originally from Huntly, Wharekura has been based in America, where she has made an impact with local coaches.
North Harbour's Smith topped off a successful national provincial season with a place in the tournament team.
Yates, also an Otago netball representative, was a top age-group basketballer before she turned her focus to netball.
Australia are yet to name their players for the series, but Carpenter has no doubts as to the ability of whoever makes their squad.
"They have some women that are starting players for WNBA teams in America that won't even make the Australian squad," he said.
"I love challenges and this is a great challenge. We will just have to make sure we raise our level."
The naming of the squad coincides with the three-year signing of Freedom Air as series naming rights sponsors for all international tests played in New Zealand.
Freedom Air has also signed as associate sponsor of the Tall Blacks.
Tall Ferns: Belinda Colling (Christchurch), Megan Compain (Philadelphia), Rebecca Cotton (Wellington), Gina Farmer (Hungary), Sally Farmer (Auckland), Donna Loffhagen (Christchurch), Julie Ofsoski (Melbourne), Charmian Smith (Auckland), Antonia Solomon (Auckland), Renee Wharekura (Texas), Angelina Yates (Dunedin).
