Surf life saving: Ferguson makes team

World-class kayaker Steven Ferguson is in the New Zealand team to contest the International Pool Challenge surf life saving event against Australia in Christchurch this week.

After many years of transtasman and Tri-Nations competition, this is the first pure pool event between New Zealand and Australia.

The International Pool Challenge is part of both countries' campaigns to strengthen their performance in preparation for the 2008 world surf lifesaving championships, with European nations traditionally more adept in the pool.

This event begins today at QEII pool and consists of three tests held over three consecutive days.

New Zealand team:

Glenn Anderson (captain, Gisborne), Johanna O'Connor (Mt Maunganui), Michael Buck (Auckland), Ayla Dunlop-Barrett (Taranaki), Ferguson (Whangamata), Julia Toomey (Christchurch), Georgina Toomey (Christchurch), Callum Joll (Hawkes Bay), Andrew McMillan (Otago), Tasha Hind (Wellington), Bella Franks (Wellington), Daniel Moodie (Hawkes Bay).