Castle said it was "highly likely" the new head coach would also be in charge for November's Fastnet Series in England, taking over from Robyn Broughton, who guided the team last year.
There is no doubt Taumanu deserves her chance - she has served two spells as assistant coach (1997-98 and 2008-11), garnered more international coaching experience in England and represented her country for a decade. She also knows the environment and the current crop of players well, and there is a sense that if not now, then when?
However, there is also no doubt Taurua has shown her potential in the past two weeks and the players enjoyed her positive approach.
Already familiar to the many current and former Magic players in the squad, her fresh style at international level has garnered positive feedback from the players.
"She has got new ideas," observed one Fern. "What she has really brought back is to just play on instinct. It has been quite refreshing and we don't have as many structures as in the past. Sometimes I feel we over-think the structures."
Another player, when asked about a role for Taurua, was unequivocal: "Noeline would get my vote," she said. "She is fitting in well and seems very comfortable. She is willing to talk through things and come back to them later. It's nice; it's refreshing."
While Taumanu was seen as the anointed successor after Aitken's decision to step down in August, subsequent events cast some doubt. As revealed in the Herald on Sunday, Taumanu was meant to take over as interim coach for the current England and Australia series before a late change of heart forced Aitken back into the role.
At the time, Taumanu admitted to moments of self-doubt over whether she actually wanted the top job, which must have raised some eyebrows at Netball NZ. But it seems she has now assuaged these doubts and feels ready to take on all aspects of the role.
Former Silver Ferns captain Adine Wilson hopes Taurua can be involved in the Ferns set-up in future. She compares Taurua to Broughton, noting their ability to engender loyalty and trust and says a Taumanu-Taurua combination would be ideal.
"Noeline creates a great culture and is quite innovative - willing to step outside the square," says Wilson.
"Wai is a hard taskmaster but has a brilliant brain for the game. She knows the game inside out and as a player, you always know where you stand, which is great."
Bernice Mene has a unique insight into the duo, having played with Taurua in the all-conquering Wellington PIC side of the mid-1990s that was coached by Taumanu.
"There is a lot of history there and they know each other well," says Mene. "Both have their non-negotiables and can be quite strict, but they would also complement each other - a little like Ruth and Wai did."
Apart from Taurua, other candidates for the assistant coach role could be Southby, Belinda Colling, Julie Seymour and Natalie Avellino.
