Netball: Scanlan happy to be given second chance

Silver Ferns defender Sheryl Scanlan is out to repay the faith shown in her by the national netball selectors.

The veteran defender is training with the squad of 12 for this weekend's one off test against Australia in Auckland.

She missed the initial selection, and is training with the squad after Casey Williams withdrew with an ankle injury.

Scanlan says it was tough being left out in the beginning, and while she is disappointed for Williams, it has given her an opportunity to remind the selectors of what she can do.

Scanlan says any chance to represent New Zealand is huge, and she would dearly love to play for the Ferns again.

The Australians have arrived in Auckland, warning they are more prepared this time around to face the Silver Ferns.

Coach Norma Plummer says despite being five players down, at least she has had some decent build-up time with her players.

Plummer says having the players for a matter of days before the June test was part of the reason for the loss, and this time she has had two five day camps with the extended squad.

However, Wednesday is the first time the narrowed down squad has had the chance to train together.

Plummer says the team is bracing itself for another physical encounter, but says they have not come over to take a backwards step.

She says they are using Saturday's test purely as a build up to the Commonwealth Games.

- NEWSTALK ZB