MATCH PREVIEW (R4): TACTIX V MYSTICS

TEAM NEWS:

SKYCITY Mystics coach Helene Wilson tweaked her defence line with plenty of success against the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel last week. The ranging arms of captain Anna Harrison at wing defence worked well for the Mystics while Phoenix Karaka looked at home at goal keeper. It may be a similar line which attempts to combat the tall timber in the Silvermoon Tactix shooting circle. The Mystics looked the part for three quarters against the Steel but fell away in the fourth spell which they will want to address against the Tactix. Just three goals separated the two teams when they last met but the Tactix continue to show they know how to win the close matches. They are now without injured captain Jess Maclennan for the season but stand-in Jane Watson led by example at goal defence in yet another come from behind victory. Her combination with Temalisi Fakahokotau will need to be at its best to halt Silver Fern Bailey Mes who was back to her confident best in both her movement and accuracy in Round 3.

WHO TO WATCH:

Bailey Mes (Mystics) – an improved outing for Mes who was more confident in her movement and returned a faultless shooting effort from her 31 attempts at goal. Her combination with Elisapeta Toeava was a stand-out last week.

Erikana Pedersen (Tactix) versus Anna Harrison (Mystics) – the Mystics may plump for Harrison on the wing again to negate the speed and vision of Pedersen. The Tactix struggled with some of their delivery into the circle last week and will find it even harder over the long reach of Harrison.

Temalisi Fakahokotau (Tactix) – she provides the spark to the Tactix defensive unit and her match-up with Mes will be one to watch. Leading the league for rebounds but also up there for penalties so will be wary of catching the umpires’ eye.