By not playing any Tests before August's Netball World Cup, defending champions Australia will be unpredictable opponents, says coach Lisa Alexander.
Only two practice matches are scheduled between now and the tournament in Sydney - first against a Queensland team in July and another versus the national under-21s.
Alexander admitted some people didn't think that was a great idea, but dismissed suggestions it would hurt the Diamonds' chances of retaining the title.
"Getting our preparedness is more important at this stage," she told AAP on day one of a three-day selection camp in Canberra.
"We were happy with our lead-in to (winning) the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow, and we've got a similar lead-in.
"We think it worked very well; it enabled us to really work together as a group on all of our strategies and tactics, and that's going to provide us with great unpredictability for the other teams."
But for her charges, the build up was "quite complicated".
With the trans-Tasman championship running until June 21, some players will have limited time to rest before their national duties begin.
Others in the squad of 18 and in clubs who don't make the playoffs will be forced to continue training at home until the final team of 12 is announced on June 24.
"It's not easy," Alexander said.
"England, they've got a similar challenge to us - most of their players are here, especially their top players.
"Jamaica have a bit of an advantage because they've got most of their players in Jamaica.
"But it's really how we put our minds around it that matters.
"If we look it negatively, that it's a problem, then it won't work.
"What we've got to do is look for, what we believe, are creative solutions that are going to give us what we need; plus, allow the athletes to have a little bit of a break from ANZ too because sometimes they just need that change of environment."
Despite the dismal record of New Zealand teams in the trans-Tasman league, Alexander still rates the Kiwis a World Cup threat.
"Whilst we can put store on some of it, we've got to keep in mind that when they get their best together they're very very strong," she said.
"And that's the same with all the countries - Jamaica, England included.
"New Zealand will catch up to us."
Alexander lauded Sharni Layton's recent form for the NSW Swifts and also shooter Susan Pettitt, who isn't part of the Diamonds' World Cup campaign.
The coach said there was an outside chance that she would be added to the squad and later included in the team.
"It's a highly unlikely scenario, but it does give her slight window of opportunity," she said.
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