MATCH PREVIEW (R8): MAGIC v MYSTICS

TEAM NEWS:

Two big wins in a row – against the Premiership No 1 and 2 teams – has been a huge confidence boost for the SKYCITY Mystics. But captain Anna Harrison is urging her side not to rest on its laurels and keep “growing” over the second half of the season. “We wanted to prove that we are consistently going up,” she said of their win over the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel. Now with the Waikato-BOP Magic in their sights, the former Silver Fern can only emphasise the importance to keep building. “It’s really important,” she said. “There’s no time in this competition to sit back and go ‘ah, we’re going really well’. We need to keep working on those things that we know need to be better.” The form of defender Phoenix Karaka has impressed at one end of the court while Elisapeta Toeava continues to shine at the other. The presence of Maria Folau has also been significant in the Mystics’ recent wins. They face a Magic team looking to bounce back from a 15-goal loss to the competition leaders in the last Round. “There’s no chance to worry about what you’ve done, you’ve got to get up and carry on,” captain Casey Kopua said. It will be a big ask against an in-form Mystics team.

WHO TO WATCH:

Monica Falkner (Magic) – had a strong first half against the Pulse last week but is still searching for consistency. Could find herself against Michaela Sokolich-Beatson in what would be an intriguing match-up.

Lenize Potgieter (Magic) versus Phoenix Karaka (Mystics) – the Mystics defender has been outstanding since moving back to goal keeper and poses a real threat for the ever reliable Potgieter.

Grace Kukutai (Mystics) – the wider training member has made the most of her opportunities this season and was part of a well-functioning Mystics attack line last week. Showed pace on attack and was effective on defence.