Finding another wing attack and solidifying her shooting line-up is the challenge for Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken a year out from the world championships.
The Silver Ferns ended their three-test international series with a record 94-25 win over South Africa in Auckland on Monday.
It followed the two-test series against Australia where they won the first test 52-40 but lost the second 48-38.
Going into a world championship, where teams are required to front up day after day, the ideal mix is an even split of four shooters, four midcourt players and four defenders.
For this series Aitken opted for three shooters, four midcourters and five defenders, which indicates the depth New Zealand has in defence.
"I think we are still a wee way off in that shooting circle and the wing attack back-up in terms of those players ready to take the next step up," Aitken said.
"I think there is still some work to be done there but we have truckloads of talent and give people an opportunity and they'll step up."
While Jodi Te Huna - who is recovering well from knee surgery - will boost the number of shooters back to four a question mark remains over where Belinda Colling sees herself in a year's time.
The mother of one has said she cannot see herself playing in next year's world championships, however, with the tournament now just 12 months away she may be enticed to hold on.
Maria Tutaia has shown she has the composure to handle international netball but is still young and needs to get more test caps under her belt before she can lay claims to the goal attack position.
Aitken's biggest dilemma is possibly in the midcourt where there is no one to back up regular wing attack Adine Wilson.
This was most noticeable when centre Temepara George was injured in the second test against Australia. Laura Langman did a commendable job but Aitken probably wanted to slot the more experienced Wilson into the position, the problem being she had no one to replace her at wing attack.
Looking to the world championships Aitken could either turn Langman or Debbie White into a wing attack or she could find a specialist centre/wing attack such as the Magic's Liana Barrett-Chase.
Aitken said she would look to next month's national provincial championships for answers. After that tournament she will name a squad of up to 18 from which the team to defend the world title will be selected.
Netball: Aitken in search of wing attack
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