Minimising mistakes will be key to victory

IT is hard to see tonight’s ANZ Premiership elimination final being anything but close.

Only three goals split the Southern Steel and Mainland Tactix over the three games they have played against each other this year.

A Te Paea SelbyRickit goal with eight seconds left gave the Steel a 5352 victory in their first meeting in Christchurch.

The Tactix responded with a comefrombehind win — again 5352 — in Dunedin two weeks later.

In Invercargill the Steel took the third game 5956, but it had the Tactix constantly on its tail and the win was far from comfortable.

Every mistake is crucial in a game like that and that will be at the forefront of both teams’ minds.

The Tactix defensive duo of Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson have proven unsettling early for the Steel in its last two encounters.

Last time it had a first quarter plagued by turnovers — 10 in the first quarter.

In Dunedin it was the shooters that struggled with the pressure early, missing six of their first seven shots.

On both occasions they improved.

However, in playoff sport a slow start can be costly.

Looking after the ball and being clinical for the full 60 minutes will be important.

That means starting well.

It is true the Tactix have evolved into more than just a defensive team — but that remains their strength.

Rookie centre Kimiora Poi has had an impressive season, while big goal shoot Ellie Bird is the main threat in the shooting circle.

However, the Steel defensive duo of Courtney Elliott and Te Huinga Reo SelbyRickit have done a good job of containing her this season. In their last meeting they held her to 40 goals from 51 attempts, just below her season average of 80%.

That pair has been key for the Steel throughout the second half of the season and both will need big games again tonight.

Whatever happens, a tipped ball here or a missed shot there could very well be the deciding factor.