Taumaunu said late last year she would be "pushing a strong conditioning message" to the team over the summer break, with only those who turned up to this week's camp in Auckland in tip top shape to be considered for selection for the Tri-Series with Fiji and Samoa. She stayed true to her word, making five changes to the team that faced England in their last two outings of 2014.
Along with Latu and Leota, Ferns rookies Ameliaranne Wells and Temalisi Fakahokotau were also left out of the team, while midcourter Joline Henry was not considered for selection after picking up a minor calf injury.
Shooter Ellen Halpenny and midcourter Shannon Francois, who were both dropped following the Commonwealth Games, return to the test line-up alongside Camilla Lees and young defender Phoenix Karaka. Star shooter Maria Tutaia also returns to the fold after being sidelined for nearly six months with a foot injury sustained in Glasgow last year.
Taumaunu said while it will be good to get another look at the likes of Halpenny, Francois and Lees in the Ferns environment, that wasn't the selectors motivation when picking the group for Fiji
"They were selected because they turned up in good shape and have clearly done some work," said Taumaunu.
""I am delighted that we can build the depth of the group, but the main criteria for the selection of this group was progress made in conditioning, those who aren't in the group will stay behind [in camp in Auckland] and will continue to work with the trainer."
The big positive in yesterday's announcement was the return of Tutaia, who will bring much-needed firepower to the struggling shooting end. While their Pacific Island rivals will not offer much in the way of competitive resistance for the Ferns, the New Zealand side will be relieved to have the shooting ace back on court in plenty of time to build her form and confidence ahead of the World Cup in August.
Tutaia was only taking limited part in Mystics training sessions before Christmas, but made strong progress at this week's squad camp in Auckland, where the team were put through a battery of fitness tests, conditioning sessions and skills work.
"We're not prepared to take any one who has to be managed next week, it's too hard and we're too close to the start of ANZ to do that. I have listened very carefully to medical advice and I'm told Maria is absolutely ready to go," said Taumaunu.
Tutaia reiterated her coach's confidence in her fitness.
"I managed to do everything that all the girls have done so I haven't been the precious one in camp. Everything's gone well and I haven't had any niggles with my foot so hopefully it stays like that," said Tutaia.
"I was always targeting this tour for me to come back. I've been working really hard these last five and a half months -- things get really tedious when you're working by yourself in the gym, so I'm just so pleased to be back."
The Ferns leave for Suva tomorrow and will take on Fiji in the series opener in Monday.
