Netball's rankings for next year's Commonwealth Games have been released with the Silver Ferns sitting second, behind defending champions Australia.
Nine months out from the Games, the International Netball Federation has confirmed the 12 nations to compete on the Gold Coast.
A disappointed Silver Ferns side with their silver medals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Photo: Photosport
Uganda will debut at this level having jumped to ninth in the rankings with Scotland sneaking in at 12 ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.
All five Commonwealth Games netball finals have been trans-Tasman affairs with Australia having won three gold medals including the 58-40 win in Glasgow in 2014.
The Silver Ferns will play Australia in Invercargill in September as part of the Quad Series also including England and South Africa.
The Gold Coast draw is due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Commonwealth Games netball rankings:
1. Australia, 2. New Zealand, 3. England, 4. Jamaica, 5. South Africa, 6. Malawi, 7. Fiji, 8. Wales, 9. Uganda, 10. Northern Ireland, 11. Barbados, 12. Scotland.