Match Preview: Magic v Mystics
TEAM NEWS:
The WBOP Magic have had plenty of recovery time to ponder a way to reverse their Round 4 result against the SKYCITY Mystics when they meet for the second time this season.
A slow start proved costly when they last met and despite coming back to within two goals in the fourth quarter, were down by five at the final whistles.
The Magic sit in second spot on the ANZ Premiership ladder but the Mystics are nipping at their heels after a convincing victory over the Silvermoon Tactix.
Pundits will be expecting another close tussle between these two which is something Magic captain Casey Kopua looks forward to.
“That’s why we love playing Netball is those close matches,” she said.
Both she and goal keeper Kelly Jury have formed a solid combination at the back and the former Silver Ferns captain said there were still areas where they were looking for consistency.
“We’re trying to be active and contest at the same time,” she said of their defensive efforts.“When we end up being static, we don’t do anything.Just being able to maintain that for the whole 60 is what we’re after.”
WHO TO WATCH:
Monica Falkner (Magic) – the youngster was named player of the match in their last outing netting a clutch of key goals in a narrow victory.But she found the going tough when up against the Mystics defenders in Round 4 (netting 70 per cent) and will be out to show her improvements.
Sam Sinclair (Magic) versus Elisapeta Toeava (Mystics) – these two dynamic midcourters are set to sizzle in the middle of this clash.Sinclair was in top form last week and is the only midcourter in the top 10 for intercepts this season (16).The speed and flair from Toeava will no doubt test the Magic maestro.
Maria Tutaia (Mystics) – the Silver Ferns goal attack has shown mixed performances in recent weeks but was back to her best against the Tactix with accuracy in her shooting and a heavy workload outside of the circle.She faces a much sterner test however against Magic’s Casey Kopua.
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 Facebook page.