Match Preview: Magic v Steel
TEAM NEWS:
WBOP Magic captain Casey Kopua is calling for better “decision making” from her charges when they attempt to do what no other team has been able to do this season – beat the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel.
Kopua was pleased with the Magic’s “intensity” in a four-goal loss to the SKYCITY Mystics but admits they must take it to another level when meeting the unbeaten Steel.
“It’s just about doing our jobs and unfortunately we have to do them harder and better (against the Steel),” she said.
They will also be up against a Steel side out to bounce back from an indifferent outing in Round 7.The winning streak continues but they needed to dig deep against the Silvermoon Tactix in a close contest.
Coach Reinga Bloxham opted to test all of her bench including the resting of prolific shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid for two quarters.
It would be hard to imagine the Jamaican riding the pine for any minutes with a classy Magic defensive unit waiting.
The Steel absorbed early pressure from the Magic last time they met and produced a big third quarter to net an impressive 23-goal victory in Invercargill.
WHO TO WATCH:
Kelly Jury (Magic) – the Magic goal keeper has one of the toughest jobs in the game when she comes up against Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.Notoriously strong for her rebounding, Fowler-Reid got the better of her Magic opponents in Round 3 – something Jury will be wary of should the Jamaican shooter miss.
Wendy Frew (Steel) versus Grace Rasmussen (Magic) – two key experienced cogs for their teams.Rasmussen has formed strong links with a new look Magic shooting circle while Frew is tenacious on defence andjust as important on attack for the Steel.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Steel) – may stand in the shadow of Jhaniele Fowler-Reid when it comes to shooting volume but the young Steel goal attack is the perfect foil in the circle.Knows when to step up and take the heat off her team-mate with her accuracy and feeding ability.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 4 to catch all the action live from 2pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.