The latest additions to the Silver Ferns squad prove that age is no barrier to international netball.
Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken has recalled Southland shooter Tania Dalton and Canterbury midcourter Julie Seymour.
At 35, and with 75 international test caps, Seymour was the obvious midcourt choice, Aitken said.
"Her name just kept popping up and we really felt she deserved it. Her work rate is second to none and she's a very low error-rate player."
Seymour said national selection had not weighed on her mind during the national tournament last week.
"I've really enjoyed the Canterbury Flames campaign and that's what's kept me going."
Dalton, who turns 35 next month, last appeared for New Zealand at the 2003 World Championships.
She made herself available for national selection a fortnight ago as it became increasingly likely that Belinda Colling would not play in next year's world championships.
Dalton felt she had been given a lifeline and would be grabbing the opportunity.
"I wasn't even sure I was going to come to this tournament so I am very excited."
Providing the sparkle of youth is Auckland-Waitakere's Paula Griffin, 18, who has earned a place in the squad after a week of strong performances.
Griffin was tipped for a Silver Ferns spot, but the youngster was in shock on Saturday night.
"My goal was just to make the under-21s again. It feels good, but I have a lot to learn."
Griffin's seamless combination with teammate Maria Tutaia and comparable calmness was evident in the national final against Waikato, where she took on Silver Fern defenders Casey Williams and Joline Henry enough to prime anyone for the international stage.
Aitken said the blend of youth and experience, particularly in the shooting circle, was important, and the new selections would provide that balance.
Youngsters in the New Zealand A squad which will play Australia and Australian Institute of Sport and the Silver Ferns in a lead-up to this month's Australia test series, will use the series to push their case for a spot in the Ferns squad.
There is a possibility of three more players being added to the Silver Ferns. The World Championships side will be named in February.
NEW ZEALAND SELECTIONS
Silver Ferns
Tania Dalton (Southland), Vilimaina Davu (Canterbury), Leana du Bruin (North), Temepara George (North), Paula Griffin (Auckland/Waitakere), Joline Henry (Waikato), Laura Langman (Waikato), Anna Scarlett (Auckland/Waitakere), Jodi Te Huna (Otago), Julie Seymour (Canterbury), Maria Tutaia (Auckland/Waitakere), Debbie White (Otago), Adine Wilson (Southland), Irene van Dyk (Waikato), Casey Williams (Waikato).
NZ A Squad
Daneka Wipiiti (Western), Tanya Lund (Bay of Plenty), Jess Tuki (Otago), Hayley Stockman (Waikato), Jade Topia (Canterbury), Liana Barrett Chase (Waikato), Candyce Edwards (Waikato), Phillipa Duncan (Otago), Maree Bowden (Canterbury), Anna Thompson (Canterbury), Rawinia Everitt (Diamonds), Erika Burgess (Western), Katrina Grant (Rebels), Elizabeth Manu (Canterbury).
NZU21 Squad
Te Huinga Reo Selby Rickit (Southland), Jamilah Gupwell (Wellington), Julianna Naoupu (Canterbury), Lizzie Sandom (Otago), Camilla Lees (Auckland/Waitakere), Grace Rasmussen (Auckland/Waitakere), Hayley Croft (Sting), Emma Iversen (North Maroon), Charlene Halapua (North U21), Charlotte Kight (Eastern), Hannah Broederlow (Otago), Areta Thatcher (North), Moniek van Rossum (Southland).
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