2026 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round 4

 

Round 4 sees the competition begin to take shape, with the VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix the only unbeaten side remaining, the Ascot Park Hotel Steel building momentum, and several teams looking to strengthen their position on the ladder.  

Milestones continue to feature, with Peta Toeava set for her 150th National League match for the Mystics, while Amelia Walmsley will bring up her 50th ANZ Premiership appearance. 

Mystics v Tactix 

Saturday 2 May, 4pm 
The Trusts Arena, Auckland 

A rematch of the 2025 Grand Final headlines the round as the Mystics host the only unbeaten side in the competition. 

The Tactix have opened the season 3-0 and could equal their best-ever start with another win, while the Mystics will be looking to respond after last week’s loss to the Steel. 

Key storylines: 

• Grand Final rematch between the 2025 finalists.  

• Tactix remain the competition’s only unbeaten team.  

• Peta Toeava set for 150 National League matches, all for the Mystics.  

• Tactix boast the league’s best defensive record.  

• Mystics have not lost a second quarter this season.  

Steel v Pulse 

Saturday 2 May, 7pm 
ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill 

Two sides carrying momentum meet in Invercargill, with the Steel returning home after an impressive win over the Mystics and the Pulse seeking to rebound after a narrow loss to the Stars. 

The Steel’s one-goal win over the Pulse in their last meeting snapped a nine-match losing streak in the match-up, and they come into this clash after recording the biggest win of Round 3. 

Key storylines: 

• Steel have won back-to-back matches and sit second on the ladder.  

• Pulse have claimed two bonus points already this season.  

• All three Pulse matches have been decided by single digits.  

• The teams are split almost evenly across all competitions, with the Steel leading 23 wins to 22.  

• Steel debutants Molly Watson and Josie Bingham made their ANZ Premiership debuts last round.  

Stars v Magic 

Sunday 3 May, 4pm 
Pulman Arena, Auckland 

The round concludes in Auckland with the Stars looking to build on last week’s win over the Pulse, while the Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic chase their first victory of the season. 

Recent history favours the Magic, who have won the past five meetings, but the Stars have shown encouraging form through the opening three rounds. 

Key storylines: 

• Magic have won the past five meetings against the Stars.  

• Stars sit third after a strong win in Wellington.  

• Magic remain the only winless side in the competition.  

• Amelia Walmsley brings up 50 ANZ Premiership matches.  

• Stars captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is set to play her 100th match for the franchise.  

Round 4 at a glance 

Saturday: GoSweetSpot Mystics v VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix (Auckland) 
Saturday: Ascot Park Hotel Steel v Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse (Invercargill) 
Sunday: Stars v Avis Magic (Auckland) 
All matches available live and free on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+