Dilemma for Magic, pressure for Tactix
The fourth round of the ANZ Premiership cranks into gear tomorrow with the Stars the lone unbeaten side and the Tactix still searching for their first win in 2021. Here are the key talking points.
Do the Magic bench Caitlin Bassett?
Khiarna Williams’ strong earlyseason play has presented a dilemma for the Magic. Williams has been nothing short of outstanding, landing 50 from 55 (91 per cent) in her three appearances. The 18-year-old looks an intriguing Silver Ferns prospect for future years.
With Australian shooting legend Caitlin Bassett on their books, the Magic have a tricky situation – sit their star signing or move Williams to goal attack alongside the 102-cap Diamond. Williams and Chiara Semple went well as a combination to finish the game against the Stars last week with Bassett on the sideline. Bassett has been solid, without being spectacular, thus far.
The Magic have to get Williams on court, so Semple looks the odd one out to start matches.
Must-win territory for Tactix
It might only be week four, but it’s already a critical juncture for the winless Tactix.
Favourites heading into the season, the Tactix must beat the Magic in their home opener in Christchurch tomorrow. Sink to 0-4 and the Tactix season would be on life support.
The Tactix played their best netball of the young season against the Mystics on Monday with Silver Ferns goal attack Te Paea SelbyRickit
back on court. Under pressure, the Tactix must step up on Sunday and deliver a 60-minute effort to be proud of.
Crampton faces old mates
Silver Ferns wing attack Gina Crampton faces an interesting scenario at Pulman Arena tomorrow. In her first season with the south Auckland-based Stars, Crampton will match up against her old side, the Steel, who she played 98 matches and nine seasons with.
The battle in the midcourt between Crampton and Ferns teammate and good friend Shannon Saunders will be a treat.
Crampton has arguably been the player of the competition through three rounds and is playing stellar netball.
What Pulse side will we get?
The two-time defending champion Pulse have been plagued by inconsistency to start the new season. They looked to have turned the corner in week two with a standout away win over the Magic, but undid that good work in a 56-52 loss to the Steel at their Invercargill fortress after digging themselves an early hole, trailing by seven goals at halftime.
Playing their first game of the season in Wellington on Monday against the Mystics, the Pulse will be desperate for a memorable performance.
Most impressive uncapped Silver Fern so far?
Grace Nweke has got better with each game for the Mystics after a shaky start in the season opener against the Magic. Tactix defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger tried everything to shut her down on Monday, but the 1.93m Nweke’s height advantage proved difficult.
Honourable mentions go to Steel trio Taneisha Fifita, Kate Heffernan, new addition Tiana Metuarau, and Williams from the Magic, and Stars centre Mila Reuelu-Buchanan. All five have lifted their play to another level this season.