Outside of NZ? Watch via Live Stream!

Match Preview: Tactix v Pulse

May 16, 2017
Match Preview: Tactix v Pulse

TEAM NEWS:

The Silvermoon Tactix attack will have to be at their best against Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse with the latter continuing to display a defensive wall difficult to penetrate.

The good news for Tactix fans is that the red-and-blacks showed plenty of promise in a narrow loss to the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and captain Anna Thompson says her team could have won that match where they showed “more than one quarter of goodness”.

“We’ve got to learn to know what it’s like to be in front and really hold on to that,” she said.

The inclusion of Ellie Bird in the side made a telling difference in the shooting circle with the 1.95m shooter providing a key target.

“She’s been amazing in there for not having much experience and coming up against the Silver Fern keeper,” Thompson said of Bird’s match up against Jane Watson.“She’s taking it in her stride, she’s got a smile on her face and we’re really lucky to have her.”

Opponents will now have had time to do their homework on Bird and in-form Pulse defenders Katrina Grant and Phoenix Karaka will be another tough marker for the newcomer.

WHO TO WATCH:

Ellie Bird (Tactix) – coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek made a bold move in bringing Bird into the side and it paid dividends with the Tactix netting their most goals of the season last week.Bird gets better with each outing and deserves another chance to shine at ANZ Premiership level.

Sara Bayman (Pulse) versus Nicola Mackle (Tactix) – the Tactix centre had another strong outing against the Steel with a massive 38 feeds into the shooting circle.She is coming up against Bayman who has been in form for the Pulse and has been one of the best defensive centres in the league so far.

Phoenix Karaka (Pulse) – Karaka is leading the ANZ Premiership for rebounds and her aerial ability has seen her form soar this season.She is quick on her feet and not afraid to hunt for ball out of the circle.

HOW TO WATCH:

NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 1 and 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.