MATCH PREVIEW (R3): MAGIC v PULSE

All eyes will be on the Waikato-BOP defence line following the injury to goal keeper Kelly Jury in Round 2. The Silver Fern dislocated her shoulder against the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel forcing a re-jig of Magic’s backline with regular wing Hayley Saunders moving into the circle. Back-up circle defender Kate Lloyd is also under an injury cloud so it will be a race against time to find a partner for captain Casey Kopua who continues to show her class on the Netball court. Kopua was pleased with the improved performance of her side against the Steel but said “the top two inches” was telling when the pressure went on and they would need to hold their composure against Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse. “It’s just that patience, the decision making and the top two inches really makes a difference in the crucial moments in a game.” The Pulse are the only unbeaten team in the Premiership and looking tough to beat having found the right mix of experienced heads and fearless rookies.

WHO TO WATCH:

Claire Kersten (Pulse) – this mid-courter keeps getting better with every outing. She played a major role in disrupting the Tactix’ flow up front last week and is a work-horse through the middle.

Aliyah Dunn (Pulse) versus Casey Kopua (Magic) – the former Silver Ferns captain may be pushed back to the goal keeper role if both Kelly Jury and Kate Lloyd fail fitness tests for this match. Kopua was in outstanding form in the keeper bib and would be a huge challenge for the in-form Dunn.

Ariana Cable Dixon (Magic) – played predominantly at centre last year but has slotted into the vacant wing spot this season. Was moved back into the middle against the Steel and looked comfortable setting the pace on attack.