Netball: Coach looks for Magic potion in midcourt

Irene van Dyk was impressive in the Magic's demolition of the Northern Mystics. Photo / Getty Images

Just how well the Magic have bounced back following the loss of veteran midcourter Peta Scholz will become clear tonight against the Southern Steel in Invercargill.

After facing little opposition in last week's 20-goal demolition of the Canterbury Tactix, the Steel are expected to provide a better gauge of just how much bite the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic's defensive end has lost. Their inspirational import suffered a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua has "three working options" up her sleeve for her back three. Now it is a matter of waiting to see how tonight's game unfolds to find out which works best.

The preferred option appears to be bringing Kahurangi Waititi on at goal keep and moving star defender Casey Williams and Jodi Tod forward one spot. Taurua also trialled Jess Tuki as goal keep against the Tactix, and gave young midcourter Eli Shadrock a brief run at centre, shifting captain Laura Langman back to wing defence.

All three options were serviceable but the Magic need to come up with more than that if they are to prove serious contenders for the ANZ Championship. Life without Scholz won't get any easier in the coming weeks.

In fact the hurdles are only set to get bigger, with the Magic facing a tricky run in to the playoffs that includes match-ups against the top three Australian sides over the next four rounds.

The pleasing thing for Taurua is how well her side's attacking game has developed after the disruptions at the other end of the court put the emphasis back on the attackers and the need to maintain possession.

The win over the Tactix was largely built on a strong, cohesive attacking display, with star shooter Irene van Dyk in impressive form under the goal, and the Magic midcourters feeding her with confidence.

"The shape of the attack was the best of the season and I was really pleased with last week's game," Taurua said. "There's some genuine connections starting to happen and I think there's a nice confidence underneath with the players because they're finally feeling that they are connecting.

The new-look defence end still came up with plenty of ball against the Tactix, but that was mainly through basic errors and poor shooting from the opposition.

The Magic can't rely on the same level of attacking ineptitude tonight, with the Steel renowned for their safe and steady style of play.

And with the Steel in survival mode and playing at home, Taurua is expecting a big challenge as the Magic chase an eighth straight win.

"They've got everything to play for," Taurua said. "They've got to win this game to stay in top-four contention. They will come with high energy levels, ready to play and they will go for it."

In tonight's later game, the West Coast Fever host competition leaders the NSW Swifts in Perth.