Australian defender, Mo’onia Gerrard will miss the Fisher and Paykel Cup match against world champions, New Zealand in Auckland on July 18 because of a minor calf tear.
Gerrard was forced off the court in the second quarter of Australia’s battle against Jamaica last Sunday in Sydney and has since undergone medical tests to determine the extent of the injury.
National coach, Norma Plummer said she’s not prepared to risk further injury to the star defender with the 2007 World Championships less than five months away.
“We hope she only misses the one match, but with a calf tear you need to be careful to make sure she doesn’t overdo it,” Plummer said.
Queensland Firebirds’ centre court player, Lauren Nourse has been promoted into the Australian touring squad. The 24-year-old has been an Australian squad member since 2004, but this is Nourse’s first selection in an Australian team.
“Lauren played really well in England and this is an opportunity to have a look at her. We want to make sure we have covered all bases and all combinations,” Plummer said.
The Australian team flies to Auckland from Melbourne on Saturday morning.
Australia takes on the New Zealand Silver Ferns at the new Vector Arena in Auckland from 7.30pm (NZ time) on Wednesday, July 18 in the Fisher & Paykel Cup.
The Australian Team to play New Zealand is:
Liz Ellis (Captain)
Sharelle McMahon (Vice-captain)
Bianca Chatfield
Natasha Chokjlat
Catherine Cox
Selina Gilsenan
Natalie Medhurst
Lauren Nourse
Susan Pratley
Julie Prendergast
Laura von Bertouch
Natalie von Bertouch
Australia will also host the Silver Ferns in two Holden International Test Series matches at Vodafone Arena in Melbourne on July 21 from 8.00pm and in front of a sell-out crowd at The Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide on July 24 from 7.30pm.
For media enquiries contact:
Emma Robinson
Media Manager
Netball Australia
