Ferns winners

Maddy Gordon

Unwanted for last year’s Commonwealth Games and January’s Quad Series, Gordon needed a breakout season to make the World Cup squad. She was the form centre in the ANZ Premiership. Able to play all three midcourt roles, her versatility will be an asset at the World Cup.

Whitney Souness

Some felt spending the ANZ Premiership season at wing attack for the Pulse could have hurt Souness’ World Cup prospects. It’s no secret Taurua prefers her in the centre bib. Souness offers spark and energy off the bench.

Mila Reuelu-Buchanan

Reuelu-Buchanan was a name that cropped up as a fringe World Cup midcourt contender. The Stars centre, who has played three tests, leapfrogged Peta Toeava for one of the three travelling reserve roles.