Match Preview: Pulse v Tactix
TEAM NEWS:
Silvermoon Tactix coach Sue Hawkins has made it clear she won’t be afraid to pull her under-performing shooters if they fail to do the job against Te Whananga o Raukawa Pulse.
Disappointment was etched on the faces of the red-and-blacks after their second round defeat to the Northern Stars – Hawkins demanding more when they suit up for the third round.
On-court captain Anna Thompson said it was the “self-responsibility” of their frontline to net the goals.
“We wear those shooting bibs so it’s our responsibility to turn and put that ball in the hoop,” she said.“We’ll continue to put the pressure on ourselves, continue to push ourselves at training and ask for more from each other.”
It gets no easier against the Pulse combination of Katrina Grant and Phoenix Karaka however with the duo picking up nine deflections and intercepts between them against the WBOP Magic last week.
Defensively the Tactix improved from their opening round with goal keeper Temalisi Fakahokotau making an immediate impact with five deflections and three intercepts – also forming a nice combination with Zoe Walker – and should prove an entertaining match-up against Cathrine Tuivaiti.
WHO TO WATCH:
Kadeen Corbin (Tactix) – the English international has been given the hard word from her coach and all eyes will be on the shooter to see how she responds.She netted just 11 goals from 16 in the second round in an all-round disappointing shooting effort from the Tactix.
Sara Bayman (Pulse) versus Nicola Mackle (Tactix) – two key links for their respective sides and playing crucial roles in how their front lines perform.Both go about their jobs with little fanfare and hold their composure when the pressure comes on.
Tiana Metuarau (Pulse) – the schoolgirl has impressed in both outings for the Pulse and may have earned a start in the third round match.The goal attack kept her cool to net eight of the Pulse’s 11 goals in a tense fourth quarter against the Magic.
HOW TO WATCH
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 3 and FanPass to catch all the action live from 2pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.
NEW: tune into the ANZ Premiership Facebook page from 1.30pm every Sunday for #ANZP LIVE. This week’s episode will be hosted by Ameliaranne Ekenasio. There's a new episode to watch each week allowing fans everywhere to stay up-to-date with Netball in New Zealand!