Bowls: Griffin to play alongside hero Edwards

Jo Edwards celebrates after winning the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Photo / Getty Images

A big thrill for Black Jacks debutant Kirsten Griffin tonight with her long-time hero Jo Edwards presenting her with her national cap.

Griffin will make her national debut in this week's trans-Tasman international series against Australia in Christchurch.

She received her first cap from the world number one at a small ceremony on Monday night.

"It was really special time for me because Jo presented me with my shirt when I first made the NZ Under 18 team when I debuted in that team," Griffin says.

"She is someone that I have looked up to my whole life. She is a great friend of mine.

"She is such an inspiration to all young people that play."

Griffin lines up alongside Edwards as well as Val Smith, Mandy Boyd, Angela Boyd, Katelyn Inch and Selina Goddard in the women's team.

Action gets underway on Tuesday.