Netball: Silver Ferns facing vengeful Aussies

Anna Scarlett was yesterday unmasked as the secret character in one of the Silver Ferns' most dramatic selection mysteries.

On a day when coach Ruth Aitken was forced to farewell long-serving wing-defence Lesley Rumball and established international Victoria Edward, the spring-heeled Scarlett was revealed as the circle defender who, if needed, would play further up the court in next week's showdown against Australia.

Apart from Rumball's axing, the most intriguing aspects of the 12-strong team were the simultaneous dropping of Joline Henry and Anna Senio, and the release from the 18-player squad of the long-serving Edward.

Recalled for Saturday week's one-off against Australia are former captains Anna Rowberry and Belinda Colling, and the star of the North's recent national championship success, circle defender Leana de Bruin.

Henry, Senio and Sheryl Scanlan have all retained their places in the greater squad, and the latter will return immediately to Silver Ferns duty should defender Casey Williams fail a fitness test on Friday.

But the player who ultimately unravelled Aitken's selection tangle was the live-wire Scarlett, who will join Rowberry as the main option at wing-defence should Laura Langman do herself a mischief before or during the game.

Most of the smart money for that job had been placed on either Henry or Scanlan, but Aitken said Scarlett had played in the position for New Zealand at the 2003 world championships, and would provide adequate cover.

"Anna, we think, has the long arms and legs that could be useful in that position," said Aitken. "We've played her there previously and we're happy with what she can offer. But sorting out the defence end was certainly a tough assignment."

With Langman established as the starting wing-defence and Scarlett nominated as the preferred back-up, Rumball's specialist offerings in the position were a luxury that the Ferns simply couldn't afford.

The move to jettison her from the greater squad as well marks the end of one of New Zealand netball's most influential careers, and one of the standard-bearers of those grim times through the late 1990s.

But it also allowed Aitken room to include a more attack-oriented mid-court, and more particularly the space to bring back Rowberry as cover for wing-attack and captain Adine Harper.

"With 17 current or former Silver Ferns in contention, there were always going to be some seriously difficult decisions and Lesley was one of them," Aitken said.

"You know Lesley, she's always very stoic and measured, and we're going to talk again tomorrow. But it's always going to be hugely disappointing for someone in her position; it's been a very important part of her life.

"As for Anna, she offers us real back-up in the wing-attack and centre positions, and we thought that - with the ability of our circle defenders to push out a position - an extra attacking mid-courter was our best option."

Colling's return follows a year off for childbirth and, quite apart from anything else, reflects the respect that she still commands on a netball court, despite being restricted to mainly one position.

The Canterbury goal-attack will join a shooting combination headed by the peerless Irene van Dyk, and complemented by Jodi Te Huna and rising star Maria Tutaia.

"It's been a very interesting last 15 months for Belinda," Aitken said. "We feel that her experience and great netball head is invaluable in the forward court.

"She's not quite where she'd like to be physically yet, but she's made huge strides and though young Max is only about 4 1/2 months old - she's pushing hard for court time."

Ferns roadshow

* The end of the road for stalwart wing-defence Lesley Rumball and her former Otago sidekick, Victoria Edward - both axed.

* The start of a new road for Belinda Colling, Anna Rowberry and Leana de Bruin - all recalled.

* The high road for rising shooting star Maria Tutaia - retained.

* The low road for Joline Henry and Sheryl Scanlan - but both make the greater squad.

* The crossroads for defender Casey Williams - facing a fitness test.

The squad

* Defence circle: Vilimaina Davu, Casey Williams, Leana de Bruin, Anna Scarlett. Mid-court: Temepara George, Adine Wilson (c), Laura Langman, Anna Rowberry.

* Shooting circle: Irene van Dyk, Maria Tutaia, Jodi Te Huna, Belinda Colling.