Netball: Missing numbers hurting Silver Ferns

Anna Harrison. Photo / Getty Images

The long list of Silver Ferns missing in action should mean that the trans Tasman duel at the Commonwealth Games next year will have a distinctly different look than the current Constellation Cup series.

It won't be much consolation at the moment, but the Ferns have a significant number of reinforcements to return to the fold, which should change the balance of the contest in 2014.

The absence of Liana Leota, Kayla Cullen, Anna Harrison and Camilla Lees is being keenly felt, as well as the recent withdrawal of Leana de Bruin.

In contrast the current Diamonds squad is at full strength, with only Julie Corletto likely to be added to the mix in Glasgow.

Cullen's athleticism and speed would be an invaluable option in the present situation, while Harrisons' ability inside and outside the circle makes her a valuable wild card.

Leota and Lees remain the two best wing attacks in the country, though Anna Thompson, Courtney Tairi and Shannon Francois have all displayed potential.

Indeed, in the lead up to Glasgow next year Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu will have a wider range of options than ever before.

"Netball in New Zealand doesn't have quite the same depth but we have to work with what we got - you can't dwell on who is missing," said Taumaunu. "The people who are here are working hard and deserve to be here."

Meanwhile, the Ferns completed an intense training session yesterday - with Taumaunu loudly reminding the players at one point that they were not in Australia "for a holiday."

"Occasionally [I have to do something like that] but it is pretty rare," said Taumaunu. "I try not to do that in front of a whole lot of people but I thought it was needed at the time."

The Ferns used a number of different combinations in their final practice but Shannon Francois spent the most time at wing attack and is favoured to start tonight while Irene van Dyk and Cathrine Latu split equal time at goal shoot.

Tonight's match is set to start at 930pm (NZT).