Netball: Mind games won't hex us says Magic coach

Magic coach Noeline Taurua is confident the Sting's mind games won't get the better of her team in this afternoon's top-of-the table clash in Invercargill.

The Sting's stalling tactics have come under fire from Rebels coach Lois Muir, who claimed that every time her side got on a roll a Sting player would go down injured to break their momentum.

Some would say the Sting used that strategy last week against the Diamonds when Lesley Rumball called time for a shoulder injury as the Diamonds were on a roll in the final quarter.

The rules allow players to call time if they are injured, but whether all of the Sting's injuries are significant enough for the game to be stopped is sometimes questionable.

"At this elite level, it is not only physical, it is 60 per cent mental," Taurua said.

"It is about dealing with those sort of tactics the Sting use, like calling injury breaks. I think our lot are mentally strong; they just need to get stuck in, really."

Both teams are coming off surprise losses in the previous round. The Sting lost to the Diamonds and the Magic to the Rebels.

"We had training on Tuesday and it was probably the best training that we have ever had," Taurua said.

It is probably safe to assume the Sting's sessions in Invercargill this week were equally as intense.

The sides are fairly even throughout the court. The Sting have called in former Diamonds defender Katie Fay as cover for the injured Megan Hutton. Fay adds a bit of height to the Sting defence, which will be helpful in combating Irene van Dyk.

The Diamonds' defence managed to contain the Sting shooters last week. But whether the Magic's young combination of Joline Henry and Casey Williams will be able to emulate that will be a key factor in the game.

With Adine Wilson not expected to make her return until next week, it will be interesting to see if Rumball remains at centre or moves back to wing defence to try to combat the Magic's main feeder into van Dyk, Amigene Metcalfe.

In the seven times the sides have met the Magic have won only once, in 2001.

"The odds are stacked against us," Taurua said. "But if we are going to take them, this is going to be the year."

The weekend's games are crucial all round. The losers of the Flames-Rebels match can just about kiss their semifinal hopes goodbye, while the Flyers-Shakers match will decide who take home the wooden spoon.

* * *

A chat with the respective captains of the Force and the Diamonds

* TEMEPARA GEORGE: FORCE

What are the Diamonds' strengths?

"I think they have got strength right throughout the court. They are a new look team and they are combining really well.

Can you see any possible weaknesses?

"They do play with a lot of speed which sometimes goes astray but in saying that they will have worked on that from last week and their shooters will be more aware of the ball coming through the court. They may also look to slow it down."

Where do you think the match will be won or lost?

"The telling factor will be how accurate the shooters are."

If you could eliminate one player from the Diamonds who would it be?

"Anna Rowberry. She is the key in the attacking end."

Where do you think the Force could have an edge?

"Defensively - in terms of our defenders spoiling the ball going in to their shooters, just knowing that they tend to just let the ball go."

What has been the focus for your side this week?

"We looked at what worked for us against the Shakers, keeping in mind that the Diamonds are a different team, and just trying to ensure that we do those things consistently."

Out of 10 how would you rate the Force's performance so far in the competition?

"Five maybe six. It has been quite frustrating. Our management have done their part then we don't perform on court. It comes down to individual responsibility, having that mental toughness and that desire and passion to get out there and do the best you can."

Your prediction for tomorrow's game?

"I wish I could be confident and say Force by 20 but like our previous games against them I think it will be close."

* VICTORIA EDWARD: DIAMONDS

What are the Force's strengths?

"Every year on paper they have got strength right throughout the court. Temepara [George] is a huge part of their team and when their shooters are putting them in they are very hard to stop."

Can you see any possible weaknesses?

"Their shooting tends to be either up or down. But whenever they play us they tend to come to the party."

Where do you think the match will be won or lost?

"It will come down to the shooting."

If you could eliminate one player from the Force side who would it be?

"I'd say [Force shooter] Daneka Wipiiti if she is on but if not then Temepara [George]. She definitely holds the team together, she almost gets every second pass."

Where do you think your team could have an edge?

"Our shooting combination [Jodi Te Huna and Jo Morrison] is hitting its best form. Our defence picked up a lot of ball last weekend [against the Sting] and worked together as a great defensive unit. To win we are going to have to put out another complete performance like that."

What has been the focus for your side this week?

"There are lots of things [coach] Sue [Hawkins] is trying to reduce in our game and other things she is trying to take advantage of. It is just working on the shooting combination, trying to make sure our feed is controlled."

Out of 10, how would you rate your side's performance so far in the competition?

"Eight. We have definitely got room for improvement."

Your prediction for tomorrow?

"We have never beaten them but the gap has been decreasing ever so slightly every year so this year it must go in our favour. We'll be wanting to beat them by more than five."

* NATIONAL BANK CUP

TODAY

Sting v Magic, 4pm, Southland.

Shakers v Flyers, 7.30pm, Wellington.

TOMORROW

Diamonds v Force, 1pm, Waitakere.

Flames v Rebels, 1pm, Christchurch.