Coach Noeline Taurua has taken a torch to her Silver Ferns squad to contest the next Quad Series, dumping former skipper Katrina Rore and shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit.
Taurua's 12-strong squad for the tournament in England in January, which includes defending champions Australia, features six changes from that which lost the recent Constellation Cup series 3-1.
The omission of centurion defender Rore (nee Grant) is the biggest shock, while Selby-Rickit was a solid performer this year but suffers from Taurua's decision to take just three shooters to England.
Rore's place is taken by uncapped goal defence Erena Mikaere, who has returned to New Zealand after securing two Super Netball titles with the Taurua-coached Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The midcourt is stacked with five players, including uncapped 21-year-old Kimiora Poi, the diminutive Mainland Tactix wing attack whose speed impressed Taurua at a five-day camp in Auckland this week.
There are recalls for shooter Ameliaranne Ekanasio, midcourter Whitney Souness and defenders Karin Burger and Casey Kopua, the former Silver Ferns skipper whose emergence from international retirement last year was stymied by a foot injury.
Taurua said she was satisfied she'd found her strongest group after a gruelling week for 25 players, with a focus on fitness.
"They have been put under the pump physically, mentally and emotionally," she said.
"We needed to set the standard with what's required within the team - I've been inspired by the intent and focus out on court."
Australia, unbeaten in each of the last two Quad Series, face South Africa in Liverpool on January 13, followed by Tests against New Zealand and England in London.
NEW ZEALAND
Shooters -Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maria Folau, Maia Wilson.
Midcourt - Gina Crampton, Laura Langman, Kimiora Poi, Sam Sinclair, Whitney Souness.
Defenders - Karin Burger, Casey Kopua, Erena Mikaere, Jane Watson.
