Magic know what to expect
THREE rounds into the ANZ Premiership season, the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic face a familiar opponent.
Today, they host the Central Pulse in Hamilton, a repeat of their season opener in Palmerston North two weeks ago, which they lost 45-33.
But it will be hard to read too much into that result, as the injury-hit Magic are set to field their third different lineup in as many outings in the rematch.
Their South African shooter Lenize Potgieter returned from a long-term injury on Wednesday, when they lost to the Southern Steel 64-60 in Dunedin, a match where Silver Ferns defender Kelly Jury suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder.
That will rule her out of today’s clash with the unbeaten Pulse, with coach Margaret Forsyth uncertain how long she will be without a crucial player.
‘‘We travelled Thursday, she was in to see a doctor and have X-rays on Friday,’’ Forsyth said. ‘‘So we’ve had one opinion but just to be sure we’re waiting to have a second opinion, and that won’t happen until early next week, Monday, Tuesday.’’
With Potgieter back, after recovering from an ankle injury that ruled her out of the Commonwealth Games, the Magic will be stronger in the shooting circle, but that will be offset by the loss of Jury at the other end of the court.
Forsyth said Potgieter’s inclusion at goal shoot, likely in place of Amorangi Malesala with Monica Falkner at goal attack, would help the Magic expand their attacking game from their first meeting with the Pulse, when they shot 72 per cent and made only 46 attempts.
‘‘Amorangi did a fantastic job, but having someone like Lenny with her experience and accuracy and a bit of extra height down there, she will certainly draw the defenders. They’ll have to watch her very closely so that means Monica or whoever we’ve got in there at goal attack can have a little bit more room to move and to play and to put up their shots as well.’’
When Jury went off on Wednesday, wing defence Hayley Saunders shifted back a spot to join captain Casey Kopua, who shifted back from goal defence to goal keep herself, but turned in an impressive performance for the second game in a row.
‘‘She’s doing all that’s expected of her and more,’’ Forsyth said of the former Silver Ferns captain.
In the other two matches in the third round, the Steel host the Northern Mystics tomorrow night and the Mainland Tactix host the Northern Stars on Wednesday night.