By JULIE ASH
Developing combinations is the aim of Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken heading into next week's series against England.
New Zealand square off against the English in a three-test series starting in Christchurch on Monday night.
While playing well and beating the English, who are coached by former Silver Ferns Lyn Gunson and Waimarama Taumaunu, is the main aim, preparing for July's world championships in Jamaica is the ultimate goal.
"We need to look at the combinations we want to use in this series and in the early rounds of the worlds," Aitken said.
"The world champs are a long event and we have to make sure people are fresh at the end of the tournament so how we use the bench will be important."
The Silver Ferns have been in camp in Christchurch since Monday and have played the Canterbury men's team and New Zealand A.
A week-long camp is something of a rarity for the Silver Ferns, who usually assemble just a few days before such a series.
"It is a bit of a luxury. But it has been very good," Aitken said.
"There has been lot of energy and enthusiasm but we haven't quite got the links going yet."
England and New Zealand last met in England last February. The Silver Ferns won all three tests 52-36, 61-40 and 64-35.
But since then England have played a series against Jamaica where they won the first test 51-47 but lost the next two, 49-39 and 52-45.
"They have certainly improved a lot since last year's Commonwealth Games," Aitken said. "They have had a good buildup playing Jamaica and with Lyn and Wai coaching, the benefits of that are beginning to show."
Aitken said it would be interesting to see how the English midcourt coped without experienced centre Olivia Murphy, who is recovering from ankle surgery.
"Without Olivia Murphy ... that will make a difference to their midcourt. But they are really strong in defence which will put the pressure on our shooters which is what we want."
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Netball: England series key to unlocking Ferns combinations
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