Outside of NZ? Watch via Live Stream!

Match Preview (R8): Stars v Mystics

May 18, 2017
Match Preview (R8): Stars v Mystics

TEAM NEWS:

Northern Stars captain Leana de Bruin was almost lost for words after her side’s latest defeat and continues to urge for more consistency if they are to add to their points tally.

“We talk about the same stuff every week,” a disappointed de Bruin said after a big loss to Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse.“On attack when we let the ball go and do what we say we want to do we play great netball but it’s just not consistent.”

Getting ball into their shooters has been their biggest bugbear of the season to date and it gets no easier against the SKYCITY Mystics where captain Anna Harrison waits to disrupt the Stars’ flow.

Fourteen goals was the difference when the two teams went head-to-head last month and with the Mystics desperate to make a move on the ANZ Premiership points table, will want a similar result.

The Mystics have been fast out of the blocks in recent games but will be searching to maintain that urgency and accuracy throughout the quarters.

Harrison was however pleased with her team’s “decision making” particularly on attack in an important win over the WBOP Magic last week.

WHO TO WATCH:

Kayla Cullen (Stars) – had a slow start to the ANZ Premiership as she came back from injury but is returning to her best.Was in amongst the action early last week, showcasing her athleticism and ability to read the play but went missing in the second half.

Maria Tutaia (Mystics) versus Leana de Bruin (Stars) – two of the ANZ Premiership’s most experienced players go head-to-head and neither like losing.Both also offer a very high work-rate through the court and are key game-changers for their respective teams.

Anna Harrison (Mystics) – the Silver Fern shows plenty of passion when out on court and had a massive game last time the Mystics met the Stars with seven deflections and five intercepts.

HOW TO WATCH:

NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 4 to catch all the action live from 7.30pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.