MATCH PREVIEW: (Round 9) STARS v MAGIC

TEAM NEWS:

Riding the wave of a successful Hobbiton-themed home week has put the Waikato-BOP Magic firmly back into the contenders’ bracket for the ANZ Premiership finals series. The Magic impressed in all areas with a 15 goal win over the SKYCITY Mystics and will look to maintain that momentum when they head to Pulman Arena to meet the Northern Stars.

Captain Casey Kopua cut a relaxed figure after last week’s victory in what was a physical tussle.

“It just goes to show that when we play good solid netball, how good it can feel,” she said.

Coach Margaret Forsyth praised the “total team effort” and said there were outstanding performances from her entire team. Backing it up against the Stars is vital with August’s finals series on the horizon.

The Stars were brought back down to earth by Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse last week with a 16 goal loss and while they should take confidence in taking a quarter off the Premiership’s top dog, will need to address their slow start. Shooter Maia Wilson continues her rich run of form but needs her shooting partner – whether that is Ellen Halpenny or Paula Griffin – to share some of the load in what will be another tough defensive duo to combat.

WHO TO WATCH:

Ariana Cable-Dixon (Magic) – her connection with her shooters was second to none last week as the young mid-courter continues to step up in her new role.

Kate Lloyd (Magic) versus Maia Wilson (Stars) – two more young players in New Zealand’s stable of rising stars. Lloyd has flourished in recent weeks under the tutelage of Casey Kopua while Wilson has held her nerve as chief goal scorer for the Stars.

Kate Burley (Stars) – the defender continues to impress with each outing and is making the most of her time on court. Her quick feet, agility and jump could give her the nod to take on Magic sharp shooter Lenize Potgieter.