17 Oct 2014

No change to Silver Ferns team

11:13 am on 17 October 2014

The Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu has named an unchanged squad to take on England in the two-test series at the end of the month.

Laura Langman will lead the side in the absence of captain Casey Kopua, with Katrina Grant named in the vice-captain.

Silver Fern netballer Laura Langman

Silver Fern netballer Laura Langman Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The first test match against England is on Tuesday October 28 in Rotorua with the second and final test match on Friday October 31st in Palmerston North.

Taumaunu says England are coming off the back of very strong form at the Commonwealth games and they're looking forward to a tight contest in the series.

She says while their key focus is to win, they also need to continue to develop depth and grow combinations right throughout the court.

Meanwhile Silver Ferns triallist Jamie-Lee Price has been named in the FAST5 Ferns team to defend their title at next month's FAST5 Netball World Series in Auckland.

Jamie-Lee Price.

Jamie-Lee Price. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Price has been called into the team to replace injured skipper Casey Kopua as she recovers from surgery to fix her ruptured patella tendon, an injury which will sideline Kopua for up to six months.

Price plays at the defensive end for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the ANZ Championship and enjoyed an impressive 2014 season with eleven appearances for her team across the season.

Price will join Silver Fern Katrina Grant, Kayla Cullen and Temalisi Fakahokotau in the defensive end for the FAST5 Ferns.

2014 FAST5 Ferns:

Laura Langman (C), Kayla Cullen, Temalisi Fakahokotau, Shannon Francois, Katrina Grant, Ellen Halpenny, Bailey Mes, Jamie-Lee Price, Grace Rasmussen and Irene van Dyk.