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Match Preview: Pulse v Stars

May 9, 2017
Match Preview: Pulse v Stars

TEAM NEWS:

Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse gave those chasing the unstoppable Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel some hope with three impressive quarters against the table-topping southerners.

Captain Katrina Grant was disappointed to see the scoreline eventually blow out but felt it was personal errors which let her side down – something she felt they could remedy the next time they met.

They will be out to work on those when they take on the Northern Stars who are coming off their second win of the season.

Stars captain Leana de Bruin was however far from pleased despite picking up maximum points against the Silvermoon Tactix.

“We need to play to our strengths,” she said pointing out the strong holding ability of young shooter Maia Wilson who needed to be utilised more.“It’s just about that 50/50 ball when we really need to score.

“They’re learning….I feel every week we get a little bit better,” de Bruin said.

The last time these two teams met was in Round 4 when the Pulse won by nine goals with both Grant and Phoenix Karaka having stand-out performances.

WHO TO WATCH:

Tiana Metuarau (Pulse) – playing beyond her years, this teenager continues to impress with every minute she has on court.The 16-year-old took on a leadership role against a tough Steel defence putting up the majority of attempts at goal.

Courtney Tairi (Stars) versus Claire Kersten (Pulse) – the Stars frontline continues to search for consistency and Tairi’s experience is a key cog.Her match-up with the hard-working Kersten could determine how smooth the Stars attacking ball flows.

Fa’amu Ioane (Stars) – the midcourter has had limited court time but showed her value in a cameo against the Tactix where she steadied the ship from centre.Adds a strong defensive presence when in the middle and finds her shooters well on attack.

HOW TO WATCH:

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