MATCH PREVIEW: (Round 11) STARS v PULSE

TEAM NEWS:

The Northern Stars have grown in confidence, which was apparent in their second straight win of the season, but do they have the belief and ability to score the biggest upset of the ANZ Premiership?

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse has their sights on hosting the Grand Final but will be wary of a Stars team building every time they take the court. New Stars captain Grace Kara has always believed in her team’s potential despite spending the first half of the season on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

“Regardless of the losses I thought we had huge potential,” she said.

“We’re starting to put it together for a wee bit longer, so credit to the girls.”

Kara was most happy with her team’s ability to absorb anything the SKYCITY Mystics threw at them last week and they will need to dig deep if they are to reverse the 16-goal loss they suffered to the Pulse in Round 8.

Of course they will go into this game without star wing defence Fa’amu Ioane who suffered a season ending knee injury in their last outing. The Pulse finished strongly against the Silvermoon Tactix to return to the winners’ circle but a few chinks in their armour have been revealed in recent weeks, particularly up front.

WHO TO WATCH:

Holly Fowler (Stars) – one of the team’s most versatile having filled the centre role, goal defence and now wing defence (in the absence of Ioane), so will be interesting to see what coach Kiri Wills has planned for the talented netballer.

Anna Thompson (Stars) versus Claire Kersten (Pulse) – the experience of Stars centre Anna Thompson has been invaluable in recent weeks and her combination with captain Grace Kara has made an impact. A real test waits against Silver Fern Claire Kersten.

Whitney Souness (Pulse) – the wing attack has been fully tested in recent weeks and made way for Mila Reuelu-Buchanan late in the game against the Tactix. Will be looking to cement her spot with the finals looming.