Match Preview (R1) Pulse v Steel
TEAM NEWS:
The defending champion Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel sent a clear message to the ANZ Premiership contenders – they will not relinquish their crown without a fight. They hardly missed a beat from their Premiership-winning feats of 2017 despite losing some big-name players during the off-season. They dominated the SKYCITY Mystics in the Super Sunday clash – clinical on attack and hungry on defence – and coach Reinga Bloxham showed plenty of faith in her new-look squad testing much of her bench, wary of the need to back-up against Te Wānanga O Raukawa Pulse less than 24 hours later. Captain Wendy Frew was pleased to open their campaign with a win and to see her side “doing the basics well”. “There were some wee personal errors and we need to cut them out before we meet the Pulse,” she said. The shooting circle faces another tough test with Pulse defenders Katrina Grant, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Karin Burger forming a formidable wall against the Waikato-BOP Magic. A repeat of last year’s Grand Final is a tough ask on both teams backing up from Super Sunday.
WHO TO WATCH:
Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Steel) – now the senior member of the Steel shooting circle, the Silver Fern led by example in their season opener with her court work and combination with new shooter Jennifer O’Connell. An exciting match-up with Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant is guaranteed in this Round 1 clash.
Gina Crampton (Steel) versus Karin Burger (Pulse) – the Steel wing attack was rock solid in their Super Sunday victory and was instrumental in her team’s well-functioning front line. It could be a tougher challenge however against Burger who proved more than a nuisance on the wing against the Magic.
Whitney Souness (Pulse) – the Pulse mid-courter led the way with feeds and goal assists against the Magic and looked sharp with her connections to her shooters. Speed and flair are two of her strengths and she could prove a handful for Steel captain Wendy Frew.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 1 to catch all the action live from 7.30pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership website – ANZPremiership.co.nz