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Match Preview: WBOP Magic v Northern Stars

March 28, 2017
Match Preview: WBOP Magic v Northern Stars

Time: 7.30pm, Monday 27 March

Venue: Claudelands Arena, Hamilton

Tickets: Ticketek

Broadcast: SKY Sport 1 (NZ), FanPass (NZ), Radio Sport, ANZ Premiership Facebook (international viewers)

Live scoring: click here


TEAM NEWS:

Backing up after the first blockbuster Super Sunday will be the major test for these two sides as this clash marks the end of the opening round.

The Waikato-BOP Magic will take plenty of confidence into the game after a 71-48 win over the Mainland Tactix while the Northern Stars must pick themselves up from an 18-goal defeat.

The Stars will look to utilise the hold of Silver Fern Maia Wilson more in the shooting circle but the youngster faces another stern test against an all-international pairing of Kelly Jury and Casey Kopua.

Coach Julie Hoornweg was not afraid to mix it up in the circle with Fijian import Afa Rusivakula and former Silver Fern Malia Vaka both combing well with Wilson.

But it’s the links through court which Stars captain Leana de Bruin says are a key area for the new side, one which will take time.

“It’s just trusting each other,” de Bruin said.“We haven’t had a lot of time and that’s what we’re lacking.We’re a new team, we did some awesome stuff (against the Steel) but we just didn’t do it consistently enough.”

The speed of ball up front from the Magic impressed in their season opener, with Ariana Cable-Dixon and Grace Rasmussen forming a stunning combination at centre and wing attack.

WHO TO WATCH:

Emma Iversen (Stars) – showed great vision in the opening match against the Steel and her drive on attack and tenacity on defence made her a stand-out in the mid-court.Iversen was available when needed and could read the space well in the shooting circle.

Kayla Cullen (Stars) versus Grace Rasmussen (Magic) – a Silver Fern match-up which will excite with both showing plenty of athleticism, drive and passion.Rasmussen’s experience up front is key in a new-look line but she’ll find a tougher challenge against Cullen on the wing.

Lenize Potgieter (Magic) – the South African import missed just four goals against the Mainland Tactix and opened up plenty of space in the shooting circle.A safe pair of hands and an impressive shooting radar will make her a player to watch.