MATCH PREVIEW (R4): STARS V MAGIC

TEAM NEWS:

Waikato-BOP Magic captain Casey Kopua was succinct in describing where her winless side needed to improve. “We all just need to step up,” she said after a hefty loss to Te Wānanga O Raukawa Pulse. Kopua said the performance was “embarrassing” and wanted to see more from her team against the Northern Stars. “It’s a bit of doing your own job, not being afraid of hard work and passing to our own team-mates.” Injuries have hampered their defensive efforts but it is up front where the Magic are struggling to cement combinations with coach Margaret Forsyth still searching for the right shooting partner for Lenize Potgieter. The Northern Stars could have the edge over the Magic in the mid-court with the inclusion of Holly Fowler to the mix adding another defensive element to their efforts. Coach Kiri Wills has opted to rotate her goal attacks and could continue that theme against an in-form Magic captain and goal defence Casey Kopua. Both teams are still searching for their first win of the Premiership and will be desperate to move into the winners’ circle.

WHO TO WATCH:

Sam Sinclair (Magic) – still switching between the centre and wing attack bib but is proving an integral cog in the Magic’s faltering front line. Has a strong link with Lenize Potgieter as the key feeder for her team.

Grace Kara (Stars) versus Hayley Saunders (Magic) – the former Magic wing takes on her old team-mates and will have an extra spring to her step after the disappointment of a one-goal loss to the Silvermoon Tactix. Saunders found herself subbed after just one quarter last week and faces a tough test against Kara.

Maia Wilson (Stars) – the Stars shooter was in top form in the loss to the Tactix. She had a solid hold, found space when needed and turned to the post with confidence. But her shooting radar wobbled in a tense fourth quarter under immense pressure.