Match Preview: Stars v Pulse

TEAM NEWS:

Two wins from three outings has left Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse captain Katrina Grant in a positive mood and eager to see what her charges can bring against the Northern Stars.

She admitted they had areas to work on from their 11-goal win over the Silvermoon Tactix, particularly up front where the new-look line continues to find its feet.

“I think it’s just a bit of connections and the more we’re together the better that’s going to get,” she said.“We do have a few things to tidy up on but, hey, two from three, we’ll definitely take that.”

The defensive unit of Grant, Phoenix Karaka and Claire Kersten impressed with the turnover ball they snaffled against the Tactix.

Stars captain Leana de Bruin will need her side to front up from the first whistle – a slow start proving costly in Round 3.

The defender led by example with eight deflections and an intercept but a high turnover rate (32) from the Stars stymied an opportunity to make inroads on the scoreboard.

WHO TO WATCH:

Afa Rusivakula (Stars) – the Fijian import made an immediate impact when she came on court last week with her speed around the circle.Will be out to lift her accuracy however, sitting at 68 per cent.

Maia Wilson (Stars) versus Phoenix Karaka (Pulse) – the Pulse goal keeper was slow out of the blocks last season but Karaka looks to be returning to the form which took her into the Silver Ferns.Could be up against old team-mate Wilson who will be looking for a shot of confidence after a tough time last week.

Claire Kersten (Pulse) – the wing defence was a replacement player for the Pulse last year and has taken another step up with her game this season.She continually disrupted the flow with five deflections and two intercepts.

HOW TO WATCH:

NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 1, Fan Pass and listen via Radio Sport 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.