KEY POINTS:
The Silver Ferns will test-drive a new midcourt model on the road towards their world title defence, and it could be Laura Langman at the driving wheel.
The line-up of 12 named yesterday brought hope of breathing new life into the centre-court - introducing wing attack-centre Maree Bowden,
bringing back veteran defence expert Sheryl Scanlan and promoting Langman to a new role at centre.
The fatigued attack was the Silver Ferns' critical weakness in their disappointing British tour in May. It was the area in obvious need of an overhaul.
The shock withdrawal of Temepara George from the five-test series against Jamaica and Australia starting next week, and the need for a back-up wing attack, only reinforced coach Ruth Aitken's decision to take a look at her midcourt tactics.
The casualty in the reshuffling is Auckland defender Anna Scarlett, a 37-test player, dropped to make room for an extra midcourter.
Langman has played 23 tests for the Silver Ferns at wing defence, but this season has shown her ability as a driving centre for the Magic. It's likely she will fill George's role there for the upcoming series alongside incumbent wing attack Adine Wilson.
"I'm really keen to look at the Laura option at centre. She's a gutsy girl," Aitken said. "And we have an excellent back-up in Julie Seymour."
Seymour's Flames team-mate, 28-year-old new cap Bowden, provides another strong option at feeder.
Bowden yesterday made it clear she will push to be part of the playing line-up, not a benchwarmer.
"Before the weekend, Maree's selection was by no means a foregone conclusion, but I was delighted she was so dominant in the midcourt at the trials. She showed the confidence of having been in the New Zealand squad environment last year," Aitken said.
There is no shortage of options for the vacated wing defence position - Seymour, Scanlan and Joline Henry are all capable.
Further back in defence, Aitken is happy she has the right circle combinations for their next two opponents.
She has a "tall option" in Casey Williams and Leana de Bruin, which should be effective against the giants of Jamaica. And then there's a "grafting, lower moving option" - bringing in either Scanlan or Henry at goal defence - to combat Australia's flatter, faster attack.
Scanlan has fought her way back into the side after having her first child. She last played a test in October 2005 against Australia.
When the call came from Aitken on Sunday night confirming her selection, Scanlan was "hiding" in a movie theatre.
"I couldn't stay home - I had to clear my mind. When you get a call the night before, it's not always a good sign," 29-year-old Scanlan said.
"It feels so much better this time round, knowing the calibre of players in the squad, the hard work I've put in and the support I've had from my family to get here."
The shooting quartet remained in place from the British tour, with Irene van Dyk and Jodi Te Huna "answering their critics" at the trials, Aitken said.
Young shooter Paula Griffin kept her spot ahead of Daneka Wipiiti and Jade Topia, who missed the trials through illness. "Paula has grown with every opportunity we've given her - and she's even growing muscles!" Aitken laughed. "It's unfortunate Jade wasn't at the trial - you need to be in front of selectors to make a Silver Ferns team."
As consolation, Topia, Wipiiti and midcourter Liana Barrett-Chase have been added to the squad and may be called on as training partners.
Silver Ferns
Shooters: Irene van Dyk, Maria Tutaia, Jodi Te Huna, Paula Griffin. Midcourt: Adine Wilson (c), Maree Bowden, Laura Langman, Julie Seymour. Defence: Leana de Bruin, Casey Williams, Joline Henry, Sheryl Scanlan.
Matches: July 12 v Jamaica, Christchurch; July 14 v Jamaica, Auckland; July 18, v Australia, Auckland; July 21 v Australia, Melbourne; July 24 v Australia, Adelaide.
