World netball champions Australia aren't planning on playing safe against the Silver Ferns in Tuesday's first Constellation Cup Test in Christchurch.
Long-term Diamonds fixtures Julie Corletto, Kim Green and Bec Bulley all retired post-World Cup, leaving coach Lisa Alexander with a trio of newcomers to blend in over the four-Test series.
And while Alexander is keen to see what Gabi Simpson, Gretel Tippett and Clare McMeniman can achieve, she's also looking to challenge some of her more-established players.
Defender Sharni Layton is one Alexander is keen to stretch, looking to utilise her tenacity and talent for disruption at goal and wing defence.
"We really want to get Sharni out at goal defence to show what she can do there," Alexander said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"We're looking for her to stamp her name on the GD bib."
Alexander also wants to see what goalkeeper and skipper Laura Geitz has to offer further up the court.
"We want to explore some possibilities with her, too - she needs to have a run out at GD with Sharni behind her.
"We've got some good options there. We want to see what we can do."
Alexander says the Silver Ferns - still smarting from their three-goal loss to the Diamonds in the World Cup final - will provide the perfect test for Australia's rookies.
"We're not going to know what we're going to get until we see them out there.
"You can train all you like, at really high intensity levels, but it's never quite the same as a Test match."
The Silver Ferns will miss goal attack Maria Tutaia, given an extended sabbatical after August's World Cup, but Alexander says the Diamonds are still expecting a tough series.
The Kiwis outplayed Australia 52-47 in pool play in Sydney before losing 58-55 in the gold medal match, and Alexander says that capacity to upset has the Diamonds on edge.
"We're not taking them lightly, and we're not getting ahead of ourselves. We're preparing for a really tough four-Test series."
