The Commonwealth Games netball final is already being touted in some corners as a clash between current world champions Australia and runners-up New Zealand.
However, with a draw featuring England and South Africa, the Silver Ferns face strong pool challenges.
Australia has drawn an easier first round, with Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago expected to provide the toughest competition. Still, the Diamonds have ground to reclaim, after losing the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games final to New Zealand 60-55 - the side's first defeat at the event in 12 years.
There has been some consolation for the Diamonds this year, with the side claiming the inaugural Constellation Cup against the Silver Ferns, winning the series 2-1.
Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken has selected a talented team to defend the New Zealand title. The squad is captained by Casey Williams and includes the formidable Irene van Dyk, Joline Henry and Anna Scarlett.
Williams, 24, has captained the Silver Ferns since July 2009 and was a key member of the 2006 gold medal-winning Commonwealth side. She has played for New Zealand ever since.
Previously captain of the South African netball team, 38-year-old Van Dyk settled in New Zealand in 2000, immediately claiming a place in the Silver Ferns with her 90% accuracy shooting rate. She is considered the best goal shoot in the world.
Henry, 28, is a key component of the Northern Mystics' defence and has been a member of the New Zealand squad since 2004, playing in more than 40 matches.
Scarlett, 27, returns to the court after three years playing beach volleyball. She made her debut for the Silver Ferns in 2002 and was a member of the 2003 World Championships and 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning teams.
Aitken has coached the New Zealand team since 2001. She is a former Silver Fern who was part of the winning World Championship side against Trinidad and Tobago in 1979. She has previously coached the provincial Waikato team and the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic franchise.
When and where
The netball competition will be held at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex from 4-14 October.
NZ team
Liana Barrett-Chase (Palmerston North), Leana de Bruin (Hamilton), Temepara George (Auckland), Katrina Grant (Wellington), Joline Henry (Wanganui), Charlotte Kight (Christchurch), Laura Langman (Hamilton), Cathrine Latu (Auckland), Grace Rasmussen (Auckland), Anna Scarlett (Auckland), Anna Thompson (Christchurch), Maria Tutaia (Auckland), Irene van Dyk (Wellington), Casey Williams (Hamilton), Daneka Wipiiti (Invercargill).
Pool A: Australia, Jamaica, Malawi, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, India.
Pool B: New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, South Africa, Barbardos.
Silver Ferns draw: Oct 4: v Papua New Guinea, Oct 5: v Cook Islands, Oct 7: v England, Oct 8: v South Africa, Oct 10: v Barbados. Oct 12: Semi-finals, Oct 14: Final.
Athletes' profiles sourced from www.olympic.org.nz and event information sourced from http://www.cwgdelhi2010.org/
