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Match Preview: Pulse v Mystics

April 25, 2017
Match Preview: Pulse v Mystics

TEAM NEWS:

One goal separated the SKYCITY Mystics and Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in Round 1 with the latter surprising many with their victory.

Pulse captain Katrina Grant has been impressed with how the youngsters up front – including Whitney Souness and Tiana Metuarau – match up against some more experienced netballers each week and is expecting no difference against the likes of the Mystics’ Silver Ferns duo of Anna Harrison and Storm Purvis.

“Showing that patience from the young heads is pretty impressive,” she said.“They’ve so much potential.”

Meanwhile, Mystics captain Anna Harrison was far from happy after the fourth round despite notching up their second straight victory.

Her side looked in control in the first half but needed to hold their composure when the pressure came on as Magic won the last two quarters.

“We’re going to look at that game because we can’t let a 10-goal lead get to that close, it’s not acceptable,” Harrison said.

The Mystics however have showed they may be the team to break the winning streak of the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel with obvious strengths at either ends of the court and a mid-court growing in confidence.

WHO TO WATCH:

Elisapeta Toeava (Mystics) – the dynamic wing attack continues to excite up front for the Mystics and her match-up against in-form Pulse defender Claire Kersten will be hard to ignore.Toeava is quick off the mark and has a great link with both Maria Tutaia and Bailey Mes.

Bailey Mes (Mystics) versus Phoenix Karaka (Pulse) – the Mystics shooter netted 30 from 33 last week but it was her rebounding – five, the most rebounds on court – which stood out in her team’s latest victory.Karaka will be wary of positioning herself well for any rebounds the Mystics’ shooters offer up.

Whitney Souness (Pulse) – the young wing attack is growing with confidence in every game.Missed last season with a serious knee injury but is directing play well in the Pulse front line and shows great speed in her drive on attack.

HOW TO WATCH:

NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 1, FanPass and Radio Sport 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.