Match Preview: Mystics v Steel
TEAM NEWS:
The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel has set the bar high in the opening round and their favourites tag is well placed.It will be a combination difficult to break for any opponent – familiarity with their links in all thirds, a strong bench and the towering presence of Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.
Captain Wendy Frew said it was however a new Steel side under coach Reinga Bloxham who had taken the reins from Noeline Taurua.
“She brings her own flavour,” Frew said of Bloxham.“She’s bringing her stuff into what we’re working on and the girls are really enjoying it.”
All eyes will be on the goal defence bib to see if Bloxham plumps for youngster Abby Erwood for the start, as she did in Round 1, or for the more experienced head of Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit to combat Silver Fern Maria Tutaia.
The Mystics will need to be wary of letting the Steel midcourt dominate – it will take a big defensive effort through court for the hosts to stop quick ball reaching the hands of Fowler-Reid.
WHO TO WATCH:
Elisapeta Toeava (Mystics) – a nippy wing attack who led the way for the Mystics in ball delivery to her shooters.Still finding her connections with a star-studded Ferns shooting circle and new-look midcourt, but could be pivotal up front in what will be a tough ask against Steel stalwart Wendy Frew.
Anna Harrison versus Jhaniele Fowler-Reid – it promises plenty this match-up with the two likely to face-off at some stage during this match.Harrison is tenacious and never gives an inch while Fowler-Reid’s game continues to flourish at the Steel.
Shannon Francois (Steel) – the classy Silver Fern will be a handful for an inexperienced Mystics midcourt and her combination with wing Gina Crampton picked up where it left off from a successful season last year.The duo shares the workload up front while Francois is a constant annoyance on defence.
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. Monday night Netball will also be live on Radio Sport.