Netball: Magic vulnerable after losing stars

MAGIC'S BACK: Ellen Halpenny and her Magic teammates begin the new season against Mainland Tactix in Christchurch today.PHOTO/FILE

The Waikato/BOP Kia Magic have the honour of opening the 2014 ANZ Championship when they take on Mainland Tactix at the CBS Canterbury Arena today from 4.20pm.

The Magic have undergone quite a transformation since last year's ANZ Championship with the loss of two of the world's best players in Silver Ferns Laura Langman and Irene van Dyk.

There is also a new coaching group in place under the guidance of former Australian Diamonds coach Julie Fitzgerald, with former Silver Fern Margaret Forsyth her assistant.

Fitzgerald says she has focused on developing the new players in the squad, some of whom have never played the ANZ Championship before.

"We have been putting plenty of work into them and it is all about combinations, making sure that everyone has a really good understanding on court," she said.

But the obvious question fans are asking is how do you replace players such as van Dyk and Langman?

"Well, we have tried to brighten our depth across the team as a whole. Obviously they are two legends of the game so they are a loss, but then I have a lot of faith in the quality players we have replaced them with.

"I think [England international goal shoot] Jo Harten has improved enormously in the last couple of years, and will continue to improve. Courtney Tairi and Sam Sinclair are both talents in the midcourt who will continue to develop throughout the year as well."

In captain Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin, the Magic have a potent defensive line, and fringe Silver Ferns Ellen Halpeny, Grace Rasmussen and Courtney Tairi have plenty to play for this year in terms of Commonwealth Games selection.

The new-look Magic found out about how tough the ANZ Championship will be at the pre-season tournament in Melbourne. Fitzgerald says the positive side was not the results but to get the squad together and play against quality opposition.

"Many of them haven't experienced that before and the intensity of backing up game after game. So in that sense it was really promising for us. It was obviously disappointing that we couldn't get more wins on the board but we steadily improved across the weekend."

Kia Magic v Mainland Tactix: Today at 4.20pm, CBS Canterbury Arena.