Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has named six survivors from Liverpool four years ago to defend the Netball World Cup at Cape Town in July/August.
Veteran shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio will captain the side, with fellow attacker Te Paea Selby-Rickit, midcourt Gina Crampton, and defenders Karin Burger, Jane Watson and Phoenix Karaka returning from the triumphant outfit that captured the 2019 crown.
"It was a selection from the team about a year-and-a-half ago that Ameliaranne would be captain, so we've just continued with that selection," said Dame Noeline, who has used Crampton, Watson and Shannon Saunders in leadership roles over recent campaigns.
Perhaps the most notable omission was midcourt Peta Toeava, whose combination with shooter Grace Nweke sparked the Silver Ferns to a 2-0 Constellation Cup lead over Australia last year, but did not travel with the team, as they lost the series across the Tasman.
"I'm excited with this group of athletes we have selected," said Dame Noeline. "We have stability with experience and players who have specific specialist skillsets.
"We have versatility with slide options. We have worked our depth over the past two years and provided on court opportunities.
"Youthful exuberance adds that exciting flavour. We go into these selections with our eyes wide open and with purpose."
Taurua admits the ANZ Premiership has prepared her players well for the World Cup tournament, not only in terms of selection, but also scheduling.
"We have seen our athletes back up a number of times this season and in many cases, backing up for some closely contested matches in extra time scenarios, which has provided the tests we had hoped they would face," she said.
The Silver Ferns face Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda and Singapore in group play, with the World Cup final scheduled for August 7.
The Silver Ferns squad is:
Shooters - Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Grace Nweke, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Maia Wilson
Midcourt - Gina Crampton, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Whitney Souness
Defenders - Karin Burger, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Jane Watson
Reserves - Tiana Metuarau, Mila Reumela-Buchanan, Sulu Fitzpatrick
