Tactix go back to basics for Steel encounter

The challenge doesn’t get any tougher for the Silvermoon Tactix in Round 4 of the ANZ Premiership.

An undefeated Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel side, fresh off a dominant victory over the WBOP Magic – a performance described by captain Wendy Frew as their most complete yet – awaits them on Wednesday night.

But it’s a challenge Tactix defender Zoe Walker says her team won’t back down from, with the team keen to put in a good performance for their home crowd at Horncastle Arena – GET TICKETS.

“[Against the Pulse] we went away from what we had focussed on all week which was taking, turning and letting the ball go,” Walker said.

“It’s just back to the drawing board and picking apart the areas that didn’t work and trying to improve on them.

“I thought our transition from defence into attack was a bit of a let-down [against the Pulse] so we need to reassess those links.”

With captain Jess Moulds still sidelined as she continues her recovery from a ruptured ACL late last year, the Tactix have rolled out a new defensive combo – Walker and new recruit Temalisi Fakahokotau.

It’s a combination that will continue to build as the season progresses with Fakahokotau missing in Round 1 due to injury, but the defensive duo know they’ll have to be at their best to shut down the potent Steel attack.

“The Steel have a strong target in Jhaniele Fowler-Reid so full-court defence will be a must,” she said.

“When we create those turnover opportunities we need to make sure we treasure possession and score, because they don’t happen often and they can score quickly when they have the ball.”

The Silvermoon Tactix will host the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel on Wednesday 19 April at Horncastle Arena, Christchurch. Fans can catch all the action live on SKY Sport 1 and Fan Pass, while fans living outside NZ can watch via the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.