The decision to drop shooter Cathrine Latu for next month's netball World Cup in Sydney wasn't easy, coach Waimarama Taumaunu says.
Latu joins long-serving midcourters Joline Henry and Liana Leota in missing the final cut after three days of trials, as Taumaunu looks to rejuvenate her 12-strong squad and win the world title for the first time since 2003.
Latu, 28, is one of five recent Silver Ferns, including shooters Ellen Halpenny and Ameliaranne Wells, who have been named in the second-tier New Zealand A team.
Instead, Bailey Mes and 20-year-old newcomer Malia Paseka will join Maria Tutaia and Jodi Brown as the shooting options for Taumaunu over the 10-day tournament at Sydney's Olympic Park.
Latu had worked hard over the three-day trials in Auckland this week, Taumaunu said.
"But based on form over the last few days, both Bailey and Malia have greater volume and similar accuracy, and were generally easier to get the ball to," she told NZ Newswire.
And while Latu is a pure goal shoot, both Mes and Paseka are equally comfortable at goal shoot or goal attack.
Mes's game has developed down at the Tactix under former Australian shooter Sue Hawkins this season, while Paseka has benefited from working with another Australian coach, Julie Fitzgerald, at Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
Both shooters are extremely athletic, with superb elevation and quick feet, introducing an element of unpredictability in the Silver Ferns' circle feed.
Versatility has been a key consideration for Taumaunu in her selections, with both Shannon Francois and Kayla Cullen prime examples.
Back after rupturing her anterior cruciate and spending over a year on the sidelines, Cullen adds height to the midcourt with the added bonus of defensive experience as a back-up in the circle where skipper Casey Kopua is returning from injury.
"Kayla's versatility was paramount in her selection - she can play centre, wing defence and goal defence and she has the ability to back up in the defensive circle," Taumaunu said.
"And Shannon's a good centre, a good wing attack, and she's built her defensive game."
Taumaunu was also pleased with the quality and depth of her options at the defensive end of the court, where last year's newcomer Temalisi Fakahokotau was unlucky to miss out.
Established players Kopua, Leana de Bruin and Katrina Grant have been joined by Southern Steel youngster Phoenix Karaka.
Fakahokotau was forced to miss trials after cutting her hand deeply when a glass jug that was part of a blender smashed while in use.
"She couldn't trial, so was somewhat reliant on poor performances from others and they didn't occur," Taumaunu said.
"It was poor timing - it's difficult for her, but that's the reality. The other defenders stepped up."
The Silver Ferns kick off their World Cup campaign against Barbados in Sydney on August 7.
New Zealand: Jodi Brown, Kayla Cullen, Leana de Bruin, Shannon Francois, Katrina Grant, Phoenix Karaka, Casey Kopua, Laura Langman, Bailey Mes, Malia Paseka, Grace Rasmussen and Maria Tutaia.
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