Lynn McConnell in Auckland
Silver Fern Julie Seymour's career has taken another turn with her appointment as captain of the New Zealand team for the forthcoming Test series with Australia.
The series is looming as a huge task for New Zealand against the world champions who gained their title at New Zealand's expense in Auckland in November last year.
But since then the first trans-Tasman series at a level below international play has exposed players from both countries to the eyes of opposing coaches in a way that has never been seen before.
New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken said the players had been exposed to a much wider level of competition than previously and that had been a help in selecting the side.
"We have seen players and seen how they match up against those Aussies and the English internationals and I think it has been a real stepping stone into the international environment.
"Obviously it will be the same for Australia so they will have been having the learnings too.
"It has been an awful lot of profiling and an awful lot of discussion and debate and very exciting," she said.
The championship had shown that each of the New Zealand players were capable of matching their Australian rivals at any time and the key now was to produce the performances as a team.
"We don't fear the Australians, we respect them but we are looking forward to it," she said.
The key for the team now was its preparation and that was the main area of focus, Aitken said.
One new cap was named in the side, Steel defender Katrina Grant, while her team-mate, shooter Daneka Wipiiti, was recalled.
Aitken said the side was a versatile one with a balance between specialists and utilities.
Four of the players were in the New Zealand Under-21 team which won the World Youth Cup in 2005.
"To be able to build on the core of experienced players is a real bonus," Aitken said.
"As current Silver Ferns squad members, both Daneka and Katrina have shown they have taken the next step up and deserve their place in the side.
"Daneka provides the team with another strong option in the shooting circle, she displays great confidence to put up the long shot and was one of the most effective rebounders in the ANZ championship," she said.
Aitken added that her choice of Seymour as captain was down to the example she set with her work ethic.
Seymour last captained the side in 2002 when New Zealand won silver at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.
The team is:
Shooters: Paula Griffin (Mystics), Maria Tutaia (Magic), Irene van Dyk (Magic), Daneka Wipiiti (Steel)
Midcourt: Maree Bowden (Tactix), Joline Henry (Magic), Laura Langman (vice-captain - Magic), Julie Seymour (captain - Tactix)
Defence: Leana de Bruin (Mystics), Katrina Grant (Steel), Sheryl Scanlan (Mystics), Casey Williams (vice-captain - Magic).