Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua is adamant she's selected the strongest possible squad for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, despite omitting two former captains.
Shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio and midcourt Sam Winders have missed out, and while their absences are notable, another player is surprised to even be there.
The Ferns were all smiles on Monday, although the talk was about who were missing.
"We're not going to do things we've done before," claimed Dame Noeline.
Taurua's raised eyebrows with several omissions, among them 2021 Silver Ferns Player of the Year Winders and 2019 predecessor Ekenasio.
"There's things in regards to readiness physically and she's not quite there," Dame Noeline said of Ekenasio. "But definitely, in trials, she showed her class."
For defender Kayla Johnson, even making the squad was a shock.
"I've actually been really unwell and didn't make it down to trials, so yeah, I was surprised to be named," she said.
Taurua's phone call was welcome, after Johnson also missed the last Games at Gold Coast with an ongoing knee injury.
"There were a few tears on my part," she said. "It was an incredible call for me and just a massive shock, I guess."
Skipper Gina Crampton also wasn't there for the horrors of four years ago, when the side failed to medal for the first time.
"People say, 'I bet you're glad you weren't there', but no way," she said. "You always want to be representing New Zealand."
Taurua has indicated aspects of gameplay have to change - a change of style and personnel - but whether that results in gold, will be known in just over a month.
