New cap Grace Rasmussen is still getting to grips with the reality that she will be off to the Commonwealth Games in October to help the Silver Ferns defend their netball crown. The Northern Mystics attacker's inclusion in New Zealand's 12-strong squad was confirmed yesterday, as was that of three playersreturning to the test arena - shooter Daneka Wipiiti, and defenders Leana de Bruin and Anna Scarlett. Coach Ruth Aitken told Rasmussen she had made the cut for New Delhi after impressing at a selection camp in Auckland this week and the player said yesterday that her selection was still sinking in. "The feeling is surreal at the moment," she said.
"Being named a Silver Fern is an amazing achievement. To be able to say I'm going to the Commonwealth Games is even greater. It's a very cool feeling." The 22-year-old Aucklander is the only uncapped player in the squad, while two others, Southern Steel midcourter Liana Barrett-Chase and Central Pulse defender Katrina Grant, will be going to their first Commonwealth Games. Rusmussen said she was in a car with her three sisters when Aitken rang her. While she had to compose herself, her sisters greeted the news with wild delight. Aitken said the screams she heard down the line "made my heart burst". Aitken said Rasmussen, who would be used as a goal attack who also played wing attack, had impressed the selectors during the camp:
"She's a creative, dynamic player and she will really add something." The selections of Wipiiti and de Bruin follow their return to netball after giving birth last year. The same 12 players will play tests against Samoa, Jamaica and Australia before heading to India. The Silver Ferns' record from the three previous Commonwealth Games tournaments is one gold medal and two silvers. Silver Ferns: Liana Barrett-Chase, Leana de Bruin, Temepara George (vice-captain), Katrina Grant, Joline Henry, Laura Langman, Grace Rasmussen, Anna Scarlett, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Casey Williams (captain), Daneka Wipiiti.NZPA
