Although defender Anna Scarlett can't really be classified as a newcomer -- she already has 39 test caps -- she hasn't played for New Zealand since May 2007, and more than matched new goal attack Grace Rasmussen for sheer enthusiasm at the end of the Silver Ferns' season opener.
Scarlett and Rasmussen both took the court for the last 30 minutes, as coach Ruth Aitken looked to work her bench and test combinations with the Silver Ferns in cruise control 46-15 ahead at halftime.
"It's great to be back," Scarlett said afterwards.
"But there were times when I thought I was going to have to call a time-out I was so out of breath!"
Scarlett, who quit netball after missing out on the New Zealand team for the 2007 world championships, spent nearly three years on the international beach volleyball circuit before again making herself available for the Silver Ferns.
Clearly revelling in the "lung-wrenching" pace of the game, the lanky goal defence built a good understanding with Katrina Grant at goal keep and has strengthened New Zealand's defensive stocks ahead of the Commonwealth Games title defence in New Delhi later this year.
Captain Casey Williams and returning Silver Fern Leana de Bruin looked impressive at the back in the opening 30 minutes against Samoa, and Scarlett obviously relishes the competition for regular court time.
"It's great because it's good pressure, everyone's pushing each other and it's really creating a good, high-performance environment."
Rasmussen, named Saturday's player of the game in her New Zealand debut, shot an impressive 94 percent in sinking 17 from 18, and her court work added extra zip over the final 30 minutes.
"I was pretty nervous taking the court, but the support around me was great and that helped a whole heap," she said afterwards.
"I was dreading that first shot, but once I put it up and it went through the hoop, it was all go from there."
Rasmussen was happy with other aspects of her play -- finding goal shoot Irene van Dyk well and offering plenty of speed -- but that missed shot on goal still rankled well after the final whistle.
"Yeah, bugger, I think that was right under the goal, too, so I was pretty bummed about that."
Incumbent goal attack Maria Tutaia also shot well, at 93 percent, and her 40 caps set a high standard for Rasmussen if she wants regular court time.
Aitken gave both Scarlett and Rasmussen the official seal of approval.
"I thought Anna and Katrina went really well, especially with their level of understanding on the switches for two players that haven't played much together," she said.
"And Grace opened up space well, although she was a little bit soft to start with, and certainly needs to push those passes harder. I think it showed she has got real creativity and quickness in her movement around the court."
Aitken, Scarlett and Rasmussen all agree on one thing: another level will be needed when the Silver Ferns take on the aerial Jamaicans in next week's two-test series beginning in Christchurch on August 18.
