Match Preview: Tactix v Steel
TEAM NEWS:
The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel continues to look the complete outfit – from one end of the court to the other.
There was no weak link at home last week which is an ominous sign for a Silvermoon Tactix side still searching for their first win.
The defensive unit’s ability to smother options into the opponents shooting circle was outstanding while the links through court were also slick.
Captain Wendy Frew felt the win against the Waikato-BOP Magic was their best performance so far and their “unit work” had been an area she was particularly pleased with.
“It’s about not being too predictable,” she said.
“We’ve been working really hard on our unit work and it’s something we’re trying to change up a lot so we’re not doing the same thing.”
Steel coach Reinga Bloxham has also been enjoying the change in substitution rules and got a number of youngsters on court last week including Abby Erwood, Jamie Hume and Beko Netball League player Ngawai Eyles.
The Tactix will have to find something special to halt the Steel’s run and could look at either end of the court – in the form of Temalisi Fakahokotau, who continues to pick up ball, and Brooke Leaver, who came on strongly in the shooting circle – for some inspiration.
WHO TO WATCH:
Hayley Saunders (Tactix) – slowing the ball down through the court is going to be crucial for the Tactix if they are to stop Jhaniele Fowler-Reid from taking the game away from them.Saunders will have to apply the pressure from the outside.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Steel) versus Zoe Walker (Tactix) – the Steel goal attack may play second fiddle to Fowler-Reid when it comes to shooting volume but Selby-Rickit leads the way with goal assists.Walker has been a consistent performer for the Tactix but gives up five centimetres to her opponent this week.
Jane Watson (Steel) – the Steel goal keeper gets better with every outing and was a menace against the Magic with her fast hands and feet helping her pick up five deflections and three intercepts.A low penalty count is another strength of Watson’s game.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 1 and FanPass to catch all the action live from 7.30pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.