2025 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round Seven

Take a look at the three match-ups coming in Round 7 of the 2025 ANZ Premiership.

Saturday, 21 June

Magic v Mystics, 4pm at Globox Arena in Hamilton

Talking points:

• A low-scoring scrappy affair unfolded when these two teams met last week and no doubt both coaches will be wanting more from their charges this time round.  There was just two points difference on the scoreboard, but the two teams racked up over 50 errors on court in a game that came to life in the last few minutes as AVIS Magic found their two-point radar in a last-gasp effort.
  
  
• It was an error-ridden Magic team which suffered a 38-40 loss to the Mystics.  Held balls and poor passing marred their performance in a match where they won enough ball to truly challenge the defending champions.  Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio felt neither team found their flow on attack in a highly defensive match, and they would need to “watch some video” to figure out where it went wrong.  “I don’t think we were committed enough on what we were offering on our attack, so they did a good job on us.”
  
  
• Has Mystics coach Tia Winikerei found the right mix when it comes to her defensive unit?  Catherine Wall is flourishing – 10 gains against the Magic – and perhaps benefitting from the experience and nous that Michaela Sokolich-Beatson brings to the circle.  You also can’t look beyond Katie Te Ao who has made the most of her opportunities on the wing.

Final thought:

Cut half of their errors and the Magic could take this match – they remained within touch last week despite regularly coughing up ball. They must find some relief with their delivery of ball into the shooting circle if they are to bank more than a bonus point in Hamilton.

Tactix v Stars, 4pm at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch

Talking points:

• The VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix seem to be liking the view from the top of the ANZ Premiership table and have the opportunity to really consolidate their position with a match against the bottom-placed Go Media Stars.  Composure has been a strength of their game, across the board, as they showed last week their ability to absorb the pressure and hold their lead.
  
  
• Tactix coach Donna Wilkins has stuck largely with the same line during the first half of the season with only the goal shooter big seemingly up for grabs – Martina Salmon favoured in the win against the Pulse but Wilkins also regularly starting with Ellie Bird.  The height advantage of the latter may give Bird the start but it’s hard to imagine the coach tinkering too much with the side that delivered last week.  Connections look strong throughout the court and it’s showing on the scoreboard.
  
  
• Patches of promise didn’t add up enough for the Stars last week as they continue to struggle with consistency.  They’ve netted just the one win this season but could take some confidence into the match knowing that it was the Tactix they toppled way back in Round 2.  Another positive has been the return to the court for Samon Nathan who made an impact on the wing with her movement up front and vision into the circle.  Coach Temepara Bailey will be hoping to get more minutes out of the crafty middie this week.

Final thought:

It’s a tough run home for the Tactix with games to come against the Mystics, Pulse and Magic so they will be well aware that home court advantage must not be wasted in their quest for maximum points.

Pulse v Steel, 7.30pm at TSB Arena in Wellington

Talking points:

• Two losses on the trot and Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse have been looking out of sorts with their connections, particularly on attack.  Goal attack Tiana Metuarau has been quiet with just the four goals last week and will need to rediscover her mojo if her team is to enjoy the lofty heights of their 25-point win over the Steel earlier this season.
  
  
• She’s talked about every week but it’s hard to go past the performances of Steel defender Carys Stythe who again grabbed the most gains on court last week.  Her match-up with Pulse shooter Amelia Walmsley, who was faultless in their loss to the Tactix, promises plenty with both players making their presence felt every time they step on court.
  
  
• Silver Fern Kate Heffernan is enjoying being back out in the action and is giving Steel coach Wendy Frew plenty of options in the midcourt as the international returns from injury, playing 30 minutes in their latest win.  Brings something different on defence but also allows Kimiora Poi to switch to wing attack with Heffernan able to pick up the centre bib, adding plenty of experience up front.

Final thought:

Only two points separate these teams on the ANZ Premiership ladder with the Pulse currently holding onto third place.  The Pulse were commanding winners when they met in Round 4 but are up against a Steel unit growing in confidence.