Match Preview (R9): Pulse v Steel
TEAM NEWS:
The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel have a healthy lead at the top of the ANZ Premiership ladder and remain unbeaten after eight rounds, but captain Wendy Frew believes they still have areas to improve.
“There are always things to work on but we’re in a good position,” she said after being pushed hard by the WBOP Magic.
She was disappointed with the number of “gains” her side tallied against the Magic and will be asking the Steel to “treasure the ball” in what is expected to be another tough outing against Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse.
“It’s just about finishing off the turnovers and just the small errors that we’re making at crucial times,” Frew said.
The Pulse and Steel last met in Round 6 when there was 13 goals difference and this time the hosts will need a stronger start if they are to challenge the Premiership pacesetters.
They are coming off a mixed performance against the Silvermoon Tactix where they were slow out of the blocks but dominated the last three quarters for a convincing win.
Captain Katrina Grant said the Magic showed teams that the Steel “aren’t unstoppable” but the Pulse would need to lower their error rate to get the points over the southerners.
WHO TO WATCH:
Katrina Grant (Pulse) – the Pulse captain continues to lead by example and no-one will be more passionate about upsetting the Steel than the Silver Ferns defender.Has been in the top four for both intercepts and deflections after eight rounds.
Gina Crampton (Steel) versus Claire Kersten (Pulse) – Kersten’s name has been touted for a call-up into the Silver Ferns squad, such is her form this season.She takes on Crampton who has found her stride in recent weeks with strong drives to the circle and her links to Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.
Jane Watson (Steel) – another intriguing match-up for the Silver Fern defender against Cathrine Tuivaiti.Watson has the most deflections in the league and got her hand to plenty of ball last time she marked Tuivaiti with four deflections and three intercepts.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 4 to catch all the action live from 7.30pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook pageANZ Premiership Facebook page.