Match Preview: Tactix v Stars
TEAM NEWS:
It’s been a tough start to the season for both sides – the two suffering heavy losses at the hands of the WBOP Magic – and they will see this match as an opportunity to get their campaign back on track.
The Silvermoon Tactix will be hoping to have new recruit Temalisi Fakahokotau on court in the second round after their depleted defence line was exposed against a slick Magic team.
Senior member Anna Thompson says there is “plenty more to come from us” but they would need to focus on bringing the ball through court with more accuracy against the Northern Stars and lifting shooting percentages.
“We certainly know we’re better than that (against the Magic),” she said.“The most important thing is we take the learnings out of that and move forward.”
Stars captain Leana de Bruin was also looking more from her charges, disappointed after two big losses, and urging the league newcomers to “find the fire in the belly” before their Round 2 match.
WHO TO WATCH:
Zoe Walker (Tactix) – the stand-out defender for the Tactix with five deflections and three intercepts, her performance as the senior player at the back is key.She may be one of the shorter defenders around but has a great leap and reads the play well from the goal keeper role.
Leana de Bruin (Stars) versus Anna Thompson (Tactix) – both players offering plenty of experience for their teams and will look to lead by example in a bid to earn their first ANZ Premiership points.Neither will lack for the passion needed to inspire their troops.
Malia Vaka (Stars) – has shown glimpses of forming a nice combination with shooter Maia Wilson but consistency is crucial if the Stars are going to topple the Tactix.Sits in the top 10 for accuracy at 77 percent but would no doubt like to see those figures rise.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport and FanPass to catch all the action live from 2pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.
NEW: tune into the ANZ Premiership Facebook page from 1.30pm every Sunday for #ANZP LIVE. The first episode will be hosted by former Silver Fern Anna Galvan, and feature interviews with Jess Moulds and Courtney Tairi. There's a new episode to watch each week allowing fans everywhere to stay up-to-date with Netball in New Zealand!