3 Jul 2015

Latu dogged by disappointing form

11:23 am on 3 July 2015

Disappointing form during the trans-Tasman netball competition has caught up with goal shooter Cathrine Latu.

Latu, along with veteran mid-courters Joline Henry and Liana Leota were shock omissions from the 12 strong New Zealand World Cup squad named on Thursday.

Silver Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu has put a much stronger emphasis on youth as she tries to end a nine game losing streak against Australia.

"People were asked to turn up here (at the training camp) and gives us reasons to select them," Taumaunu said.

Latu's form during the trans Tasman competition dogged her during the camp said Taumaunu.

"Slightly lower volumes (of shots on goal) than others, although her accuracy was good, volume was a little bit low, error rate was a little bit high and her rebounding wasn't as good as the others. So end the end the combined effectiveness on court meant two other people got the nod."

Cathrine Latu along with Joline Henry and Liana Leota have been dropped from the Silver Ferns.

Cathrine Latu along with Joline Henry and Liana Leota have been dropped from the Silver Ferns. Photo: Photosport

Taumaunu says Leota's lack of versatility countered against her and the fitness of her rivals was superior.

She said Kayla Cullen got the nod ahead of Joline Henry as she can play centre, wing defence and in the defence.

"These are marginal calls... it's a matter of inches."

Taumaunu though believes she's taken the right approach going going for youth over experience.

"The athleticism, enthusiasm and fearlessness of this group is really invigorating," she said.

New Silver Ferns shooter Malia Paseka.

New Silver Ferns shooter Malia Paseka. Photo: Photosport

There's one new cap in the squad, 20-year-old Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic shooter Malia Paseka, and Taumaunu says she forced her way in on her performance in Wednesday's Possibles versus Probables trial.

"It was probably the biggest question mark going into that game... she was given equal court time, put under the same pressure as Cathrine (Latu) and Bailey (Mes) and in the end stood up. My biggest question was not volume (of shots) because she's always been easy to get the ball too, it was around accuracy and she really stood up."

Taumaunu said while captain Casey Kopua is still not back to full fitness following the serious knee injury she suffered playing against Australia last year, she was still one of the most effective defenders at the trial.