Black Sticks Women's head coach Mark Hager has named 12 debutantes for next month's test series against Malaysia in Taranaki.
Samantha Harrison of New Zealand is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal. Photo: Photosport
There are five Tests in the hockey series in Stratford from December 12th to 18th.
Following on from last week's 2-1 series win against Australia in the Trans-Tasman Trophy, Hager will continue giving some of the country's top young talent international experience.
From the squad of 22 players, none have played more than 100 tests, with striker Samantha Harrison the most experienced with 96 caps, while Kirsten Pearce is the sole representative from the Rio Olympic team.
It will be an enticing hit-out and progression for several talented young players who are competing at this week's Women's Junior World Cup in Chile.
Coach Hager said the time was right to continue the evolution of the Black Sticks group with the Tokyo Olympic Games looming in four years.
"The players selected for this series are with an eye to the future and maintaining competition for positions will continue to develop depth within our playing group," he said.
"Malaysia will be a good challenge for this group as they have shown excellent progress over 2016.
"To be able to provide an opportunity for 12 debutantes is exciting and builds on our philosophy post Rio of providing opportunity for the wider group."
BLACK STICKS WOMEN
Malaysia Series, Taranaki
SHIRT # PLAYER NAME REGION POSITION AGE CAPS
15 Jess ANDERSON Canterbury Midfielder/Striker 18 -
14 Michaela CURTIS Central Striker 23 39
28 Tarryn DAVEY Midlands Defender/Midfielder 20 -
5 Frances DAVIES Midlands Defender 19 -
9 Maddie DOWE Auckland Defender 20 4
20 Natasha FITZSIMONS Midlands Defender 26 55
3 Erin GOAD North Harbour Defender/Midfielder 23 6
2 Sam HARRISON Auckland Midfielder/Striker 24 96
23 Megan HULL Midlands Defender 21 -
19 Alia JAQUES Midlands Midfielder 21 -
11 Rachel McCANN Canterbury Striker 22 32
30 Pippa NORMAN Central Defender 21 -
18 Kirsten PEARCE North Harbour Striker 24 64
1 Felicity REIDY Capital Midfielder/Striker 23 3
12 Deanna RITCHIE Auckland Striker 21 -
6 Brooke ROBERTS North Harbour Goalkeeper 20 -
32 Amy ROBINSON Midlands Striker 20 -
7 Phoebe STEELE Canterbury Midfielder/Striker 21 -
29 Jenny STOREY Canterbury Defender 24 12
22 Kim TANNER Midlands Defender 23 3
17 Catherine TINNING Canterbury Striker 21 -
21 Ginny WILSON Southern Goalkeeper 21 -
MATCH SCHEDULE
Monday 12th December
6:30pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia
Tuesday 13th December
6:30pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia
Thursday 15th December
6:30pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia
Saturday 17th December
3:00pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia
Sunday 18th December
1:00pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia
