Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua is crediting retired stars for helping her new-look team achieve immediate success against England.
They've won their opening Nations Cup game 64-48 in Nottingham without the key players who were the backbone of their world championship win.
In their first test since losing World Cup winners Laura Langman, Casey Kopua, Maria Folau and Katrina Rore, the defence was solid, passing was slick and shooting was accurate in the 16-goal win.
But according to Taurua, those players still played a significant part in Monday's (NZT) victory.
"The likes of Laura, Casey and Maria have actually put these guys in good stead, and given them experience and just the value of being a high-performance athlete," said Taurua.
"You can never replace them, but they've learned well off some great people."
With years of tested combinations gone, Taurua rotated 11 players, but it was more than testing individuals and connections - it was a strategy to confuse England.
"That's one of our strengths - the uniqueness of individuals - and they played beautifully. They have their own flair and flavour about them."
The shooting circle was a prime example.
Captain Ameliaranne Wells, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Bailey Mes and Maia Wilson were mixed and matched. Wilson netted 26 from 28, while Mes was player of the game.
"There have been a few out there that have been sitting on the side for a very long time, example Bailey, so I'm really happy with that."
Consistent winning is the next goal for the new-look Silver Ferns... and that starts against Jamaica on Thursday.
Watch the full story above and join us at 5:30am Thursday for live updates of Silver Ferns v Jamaica
