Match Preview (R12): Tactix v Steel
TEAM NEWS:
It has been a big couple of days for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel; a week where they’ve shown their strength and spirit – and it will be on show again tonight. They’ve already sewn up hosting rights for the ANZ Premiership Grand Final and captain Wendy Frew said they were working on not being “predictable” when it comes to the business end of the league.
“We wanted to be changing things slightly so we’re not predictable,” she said after notching up their 13th straight win on Super Sunday.“You always kind of stick to your home truths though, so it’s a bit of a mixture but it worked well for us (against the Magic)”.
There was nothing predictable about the match when they met the Silvermoon Tactix in Round 7 when there was just six goals difference between the two teams – few had been expecting that after the Steel had demolished the Tactix by 49 goals the first time they met this season.
The Tactix line-up had a new look on Super Sunday with captain Jess Moulds given her first taste of top flight netball after working her way back from injury.
WHO TO WATCH:
Abby Erwood (Steel) – the NZU21s defender has made solid contributions for the Steel when opportunities have presented. Sharing the GD bib with Te Huinga Selby-Rickit, the young defender has an eye for an intercept and is shaping as real player of the future for the Steel.
Temalisi Fakahokotau (Tactix) – Fakahokotau’s combination with Zoe Walker has been a positive for the Tactix during season 2017. The gutsy defender has a never-say-die attitude and hassles opposition shooters for the full 60 minutes.
Brooke Leaver (Tactix) – Leaver has been fighting hard for court time in the red-and-black strip and looks strongest when at goal shooter.Played the perfect supporting role at goal attack however when the Tactix pushed the Steel hard in Round 7.
HOW TO WATCH:
This is the first game of a Wednesday Night Netball doubleheader, live on SKY Sport 3 from 6pm. International fans (outside NZ) can catch all the action live on our ANZ Premiership Facebook page.