Match Preview (R10): Mystics v Pulse
TEAM NEWS:
SKYCITY Mystics co-captain Maria Tutaia admits they keep “making it hard for ourselves” after they were forced to come from behind to beat the Silvermoon Tactix last week.
But she feels they have the ability to turn the tables on Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse to push hard for a place in the ANZ Premiership Finals Series.
“The belief is there, the confidence is there but like I said, we really know how to make it hard for ourselves,” Tutaia said.
The Mystics have gone down by one goal and then four goals the two times they have met this season and the goal attack is wary of the Pulse.
“We’ve got a tough one against the Pulse – they’re looking quite spritely at the moment so for us it’s back to the drawing board.”
Mystics wing Elisapeta Toeava has been a revelation for the northerners during the league and Tutaia puts it down to the confidence and opportunities she had been given.
“Her ability to just let the ball go between two defenders is something not many midcourters can do.”
Pulse captain Katrina Grant admitted to feeling “embarrassed” after a hefty defeat to the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and it will be a determined yellow camp which will be out to rectify the errors they produced last week.
WHO TO WATCH:
Storm Purvis (Mystics) – the Mystics defender made an impact when she came off the bench against the Tactix.Has had limited court time this season as she shares the defensive roles with Michaela Sokolich-Beatson but may have done enough to earn a starting spot.
Sara Bayman (Pulse) versus Samon Nathan (Mystics) – the two centres are strong defensive players and provide a steadying influence through the middle on attack. Bayman will need to apply more defensive pressure outside of the circle if her side is to keep the ball away from the Mystics’ sharp-shooters.
Tiana Metuarau (Pulse) – the youngster was given a stern test last week sinking just 11 goals and it gets no easier against the experienced heads of the Mystics defence.Metuarau has shown plenty of composure in her debut season and will feel the pressure again as the Pulse eye up a finals place.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 1 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.