KEY POINTS:
The Silver Ferns will have the world netball championships in November firmly in mind during their brief tour of England.
The New Zealanders flew out of Auckland today for an itinerary that includes tests against England in Manchester next Monday (NZT) and Australia in Birmingham two days later.
The tour ends with an international against England A in London two days after that.
There is also a training match in Bath this Friday against Wales, who are drawn in New Zealand's pool in the world tournament in Auckland.
Skipper Adine Wilson said the Silver Ferns would look to achieve the balance between getting results and building to their defence of their world title.
"Obviously, we would love to win," she said.
"But at this time of the year, winning in November is the big thing. That's what people are going to remember."
Wilson said different combinations would be used, as well as variations in tactics.
"We are making sure the combinations get a decent amount of time together," she said.
"We are also trying different plans and testing a few things to make sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to November."
The 12-strong squad that coach Ruth Aitken is taking with her features one new cap in 18-year-old Auckland shooter Paula Griffin.
Two training partners -- former test defender Sheryl Scanlan, who is returning to netball after having her first child, and uncapped shooter Jade Topia -- are also travelling.
Meanwhile, veteran midcourter Julie Seymour, who missed the Flames' National Bank Cup match yesterday to spend time with her family after the death of her mother, joined up with the Silver Ferns last night.
Her mother's funeral was held last Thursday and was attended by many test and club teammates.
The timing of the tour means the domestic cup competition is on hold for three weeks.
Wilson, whose Sting side are sitting at the top of the table with the Force, had no complaints about the break.
Switching focus in quick time from domestic to international netball was a challenge, as well as the travel.
But Wilson said it was important to take up the opportunity to gauge England's development and also to tackle main rivals Australia again.
"It will be a challenge, but the good thing about the Ferns is that there's a core of players who have been together for some time," she said.
"People are used to coming into camp and getting into their roles, so hopefully things all tick along nicely."
The Silver Ferns' programme continues in July, with five further tests, their last before the world championships.
Two will be against the touring Jamaicans, while there will also be three matches against Australia, one in Auckland and the others across the Tasman.
Silver Ferns:
Shooters - Irene van Dyk (Magic), Maria Tutaia (Diamonds), Jodi Te Huna (Rebels), Paula Griffin (Diamonds);
Midcourt - Adine Wilson (Sting, captain), Temepara George (Force, vice-captain), Laura Langman (Magic), Julie Seymour (Flames);
Defence - Leana de Bruin (Force), Casey Williams (Magic), Anna Scarlett (Diamonds), Joline Henry (Magic).
Training partners to travel with the squad: Sheryl Scanlan (Force), Jade Topia (Flames).
Itinerary (NZT):
May 11 - training match v Wales, Bath;
May 14 - v England, Manchester;
May 16 - v Australia, Birmingham;
May 18 - v England A, London.
- NZPA
