KEY POINTS:
A fairly green-looking Australian line-up presents the Silver Ferns with perhaps their best opportunity to beat their transtasman rivals for quite some time in tonight's opening test in Christchurch.
A combination of retirements and injuries has forced Norma Plummer to name a very different-looking squad from the one
that swept NewZealand aside at last year's World Championships.
Gone are inspirational captain Liz Ellis and zippy midcourters Laura von Bertouch and Selina Gilsenan, while shooters Sharelle McMahon and Natalie Medhurst will miss this week's two-test series with health problems.
Given Australia's recent record over their Kiwi rivals and the dominance of the Australian franchises in the ANZ Championship, Plummer's mob are still favourites whether they like it or not. But with five new caps in the squad for the New Zealand tests, if ever the world champions were vulnerable, it is now.
There is no doubt the likes of Kimberlee Green, Rebecca Bulley and Kate Beveridge are capable of making the step up to test level.
But given Australia have had to make such widespread changes, they'll still be coming to grips with new combinations and developing their links.
Silver Ferns defender Joline Henry believes there is no area of weakness they can expose in the Australian squad, but what they can expose is a lack of familiarity.
Her side hope to exploit this by putting pressure on the new combinations.
"They have real depth in all positions in that no matter who they put on court, they won't lose much. In saying that, we're all very eager to give them a harsh welcome to international netball," said Henry.
"We do hope that if we apply some real pressure we may find some vulnerability."
Plummer's predicament is very similar to the one she found herself in when she first took over the side in 2004. A raft of retirements after the 2003 World Champs meant she had to build her side from scratch - she didn't back away from the challenge then, and she is not now.
The forthright Australian coach said she will not be taking a conservative approach when it comes to blooding new players.
"They may get knocked around a little bit. You've just got to have patience and let it grow," she said.
"You don't want to close it up on them. You've got to put them out there, and they may make mistakes but they'll only learn from that.
"Every opportunity is a growth experience. It is a big change from where we've been, but it's about building towards Commonwealth Games and World Champs."
Plummer's Kiwi counterpart, Ruth Aitken, is likely to be a bit more restrained when it comes to tinkering with her line-up. But with plenty of flexibility, particularly in the defensive end, Aitken faces some tough decisions settling on her startingline-up.
The key match-ups:
CASEY WILLIAMS (GK) V CATHERINE COX (GS) After a series of monumental clashes during the ANZ Championship, the battle lines are once again drawn between two of the stars of the game. Williams and Cox are regarded as the best in the world in their respective positions and the match-up between the two is always one to watch. It is tough to give either one the advantage, but expect to see a great deal of skill and athleticism from the pair.
LAURA LANGMAN (C) NATALIE VON BERTOUCH (C) Another pair who have developed a strong rivalry in recent times, Langman and von Bertouch are fairly evenly matched when it comes to speed, precision and defensive abilities. After making the transition from wing-defence, Langman has grown to become a world-class centre, having honed her attacking skills. There is a chance Langman may now make the shift to wing-attack during this series, though a lot will depend on the fitness of captain Julie Seymour, who still has a minor hip complaint. Wherever Langman plays in the midcourt, you can bet there will be some tight tussles with von Bertouch on the circle edge.
IRENE VAN DYK (GS) V BIANCA CHATFIELD (GK) Van Dyk has had a long-standing rivalry against former Australian captain Liz Ellis, but tonight the resilient shooter will meet a new foe. The most likely candidate to replace Ellis in the starting line-up is Melbourne Vixens' defender Bianca Chatfield. Throughout Chatfield's 31-test career she has played understudy to Ellis, but she is more than capable of holding her own against the prolific shooting talent of van Dyk. Chatfield must ensure she remains disciplined, though, as van Dyk is incredibly dangerous when given too many free shots at goal.
Tonight's squads
NEW ZEALAND Julie Seymour (c), Maree Bowden, Leana de Bruin, Katrina Grant, Paula Griffin, Joline Henry, Laura Langman, Sheryl Scanlan, Julie Seymour, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Casey Williams, Daneka Wipiiti.
AUSTRALIA Natalie von Bertouch (c), Kate Beveridge, Rebecca Bulley, Bianca Chatfield, Catherine Cox, Laura Geitz, Mo'onia Gerrard, Kimberlee Green, Lauren Nourse, Susan Pratley, Julie Prendergast, Caitlin Thwaites.
THE STATS
Total matches played 87
NZ won 33, lost 52, drawn 2
Last meeting Australia 42 NZ 38 (November 2007, World Championships final)
