Liana Barrett-Chase looks at the big picture

BY DANIEL RICHARDSON

Manawatu's Liana Barrett-Chase isn't going to rush back to face Australia because she has her eye on the next tour.

The wing attack has been ruled out of the remaining two tests against Australia with a calf injury but is targeting a return for the World Netball Series in England and the tour of Jamaica for two tests next month.

New Zealand will also meet England in a one-off test after the world series, which features a range of rule changes to be trialled.

Barrett-Chase, 25, said she was concerned someone might pinch her starting wing attack bib while she was sidelined.

"That's just the way sports go," she said, referring to the competition within the squad.

"I'm still really nervous, I really want to get back into it but I know I've got to rehab properly and take time.

"I've got a bigger picture."

She said it was particularly frustrating she couldn't take the court on Sunday in Southland, which she considers her home away from home.

"It's very disappointing, especially being in Invercargill where I play for the Steel for so many games and people love the netball down there."

Barrett-Chase, the partner of Manawatu Turbos second-five Johnny Leota, won't be at the match because she will be watching the Turbos play Northland in Palmerston North on Sunday. But she will watch the Ferns on TV from home.

The Silver Ferns find themselves 2-1 down in the five-match series after the Australian leg.

This weekend's match is sudden death to keep the series alive and there is no coincidence that the game the Silver Ferns won in Australia was when Barrett-Chase was the starting wing attack.

Her calf injury was picked up near the end of that first test. Maree Bowden and Temepara George have played on the wing since.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said Barrett-Chase was a huge loss to the squad.

"It's hugely disappointing," Aitken said. "I thought the combination with her and Temepara was outstanding and we were looking forward to seeing her out there against those Aussies.

"It's important now she focuses on her rehab ... This is her first calf injury and we don't want it to be one of many."

The speedy mid-court of Barrett-Chase at wing attack, George at centre and Waikato's Laura Langman at wing defence, looked to be progressing nicely.

Aitken wouldn't be drawn on whether that was her preferred lineup.

"I think we are in the early stages where we want to develop more combinations, but I was delighted with how they went in the first test. Ultimately I need two combinations going forward and think that one was working really well."

Bowden has been dropped for the remaining two tests and veteran defender Sheryl Scanlan recalled.

Silver Ferns squad: Temepara George (vc), Katrina Grant, Paula Griffin, Joline Henry, Laura Langman, Sheryl Scanlan, Wendy Telfer, Anna Thompson, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Larrissa Willcox, Casey Williams (c).

RULES REVAMP

Rule changes for the World Netball Series

* Matches will be four six-minute quarters with three two-minute breaks

* Unlimited rolling substitutions

* The team which concedes a goal will have the centre pass rather than alternate centre passes

* Teams can select one quarter as their "Power Play" when their score is doubled

* Shooters can shoot from outside the circle for a two-point shot

- © Fairfax NZ News