Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua is desperate to ensure this year's Constellation Cup goes ahead as planned.
In May, Netball NZ announced the cancellation of a Quad Series involving New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England, due to Covid-19, reassuring fans the annual four-match trans-Tasman series would remain part of the calendar.
But there's still plenty of uncertainty.
With World Cup success still fresh in her mind, Dame Noeline is determined to do it again, but with the retirements of some of her Silver Fern 'fossils', youth will play a key role in her plans to go back to back.
"For the next two year, there's an intent to get as many people wearing the silver fern as possible," she tells Newshub.
She's been impressed by what she's seen so far in the ANZ Premiership.
"[Mystics shooter] Grace Nweke is one that has been shining out not only this year, but last year, along with Tayla Earle and Maddy Gordon in the midcourt."
But the opportunity to pull on the black dress isn't an honour she takes lightly ...
"[We need to] ensure they have earned the right and met the standard required," says Taurua. "The integrity of our programme must be first and foremost."
The opportunity to play some international netball is vital to her plans to revamp the squad and fast-track player development, so Taurua's desperate to see the Constellation Cup go ahead.
"Not only from a performance perspective and giving players opportunity, but also linking onto momentum and from a financial perspective as well."
Negotiations are ongoing with Netball Australia, but if the Constellation Cup goes ahead, the Ferns would likely be forced to play the entire series across the Tasman.
"Hopefully we will get to play against them and the border opens up to let that happen," says Taurua.
That might provide a chance for Taurua and the Silver Ferns to build a squad that can defend the Cup in three years.
