Netball: Wells named in Silver Ferns

Ameliaranne Wells.

The inclusion of Australian-born shooter Ameliaranne Wells is the big talking point of today's Silver Ferns team naming for next month's Constellation Cup series against her homeland.

Queensland-based Wells, who only came to the attention of the Silver Ferns selectors last month after signing with the Central Pulse for next season, is eligible to represent New Zealand as her father was born here. The haste at which she has been included in the Ferns test line-up indicates the dire lack of depth in New Zealand's shooting ranks. That depth took a further hit this week with star shooter Maria Tutaia ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Wells joins young Mystics defender Temalisi Fakahokotau as the only uncapped members of the side, while shooter Bailey Mes and midcourter Grace Rasmussen have been recalled to the side, with selectors making four changes to the Commonwealth Games team.
The two big casualties from the Glasgow tournament were shooter Ellen Halpenny, who had little opportunity to impress after picking up an ankle injury in an early pool match, and midcourter Shannon Francois.

Both players retained their place in the New Zealand squad, with selectors opting to name 19 players in wider squad to ensure they have a big pool to develop ahead of next year's World Cup in Sydney.

With the country's top netballers facing off for only a select number of spots in the squad, Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu says selectors have been pleased with the calibre of play out on court this week at trials.

"We were expecting some tight competition for places in the squad and we certainly haven't been disappointed," Taumaunu said.

"We have confidence in the squad of 19 players selected and we'll certainly be developing some new player combinations as we continue building towards the Netball World Cup in August next year."

The first test match of the season is at ILT Stadium in Invercargill on October 2, with the Silver Ferns hosting the Australian Diamonds in the first of four test matches for the Constellation Cup.

The Silver Ferns team to play England in late October will be named next month.
The Silver Ferns team to contest the Constellation Cup v Australian Diamonds is:
Casey Kopua (c), Laura Langman (vc), Jodi Brown, Leana de Bruin, Temalisi Fakahokotau, Katrina Grant, Joline Henry, Liana Leota, Cathrine Latu, Bailey Mes, Grace Rasmussen and Ameliaranne Wells.

The 2014/2015 Silver Ferns squad is:
Casey Kopua, Laura Langman, Jodi Brown, Kayla Cullen, Leana de Bruin, Temalisi Fakahokotau, Shannon Francois, Katrina Grant, Ellen Halpenny, Joline Henry, Phoenix Karaka, Cathrine Latu, Camilla Lees, Liana Leota, Bailey Mes, Grace Rasmussen, Courtney Tairi, Maria Tutaia and Ameliaranne Wells.