KEY POINTS:
The Tall Ferns basketball team have suffered a setback on the eve of their departure for a tournament in China after experienced forward Charmian Purcell was ruled out with a knee injury.
Purcell will be out of the game for at least six months after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament while playing in Japan last month.
The 28-year-old's Aucklander's absence compounds the earlier defections of fellow veterans Donna Wilkins and Aneka Kerr.
"Charmian is a big loss," said head coach Mike McHugh.
"She has really developed into a utility type player for us, playing a number of roles and positions."
Purcell has been replaced by 20-year-old Otago guard Toni Edmondson, who will make her debut on a tour which forms a stepping stone on the path to next August's Beijing Olympics.
"This will be a very demanding trip," McHugh said.
"All the teams we are up against -- China (10th), Cuba (7th) and Argentina (12th) -- are ranked ahead of us and will bring battle-hardened veterans."
The Tall Ferns, ranked 17th in the world, assemble in Christchurch on Sunday and fly out for China on Monday night.
Squad
Suzie Bates, Micaela Cocks, Rebecca Dew, Toni Edmondson, Aroha Jennings, Karlene Kingi, Angela Marino, Jessica McCormack, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe, Natalie Purcell, Lisa Wallbutton, Noni Wharemate.
- NZPA
