KEY POINTS:
The Silver Ferns have called in midcourt reinforcements for next week's two-test series against Australia after the selectors yesterday received a double blow.
Southern Steel midcourters Liana Barrett-Chase and Wendy Telfer are included in the squad which leaves for Melbourne tomorrow, after captain Julie Seymour was ruled out of the opening test with an Achilles injury.
The Ferns hope the veteran midcourter will be available for the second test in Brisbane on November 2.
The experience in the Kiwi ranks has taken a further hit with the news that defender Leana de Bruin has withdrawn from the series for personal reasons.
Coach Ruth Aitken said de Bruin had become a casualty of the lengthened season and she wanted "her home life to take priority".
With Sheryl Scanlan, Katrina Grant and Joline Henry all able to cover the goal-defence position, Aitken opted to include two midcourters in the squad to give ample cover for Seymour.
The Ferns skipper will remain in Christchurch for rehabilitation with a view to joining the team in Brisbane before the second test.
"We're optimistic she will be back for the second test and we're keen to give her every opportunity to do that," said Aitken.
The loss of Seymour leaves the Ferns a little exposed in the midcourt. Laura Langman is likely to start at centre, and Maree Bowden will get further opportunity to start at wing-attack, but if that pairing fails to work it means throwing one of the rookies in at the deep end.
However, Aitken said she would be confident in putting both Barrett-Chase and Telfer out in the heat of a transtasman battle if the situation was called for.