Kia Magic spirits high for Pulse rematch
Press Release May 9, 2013
Back-to-back losses have not dented Kia Magic coach Noeline Taurua’s faith ahead of her team’s important ANZ Championship netball rematch with Central Pulse in Hamilton on Monday.
With the season at a critical stage and clinging to fourth spot on the table courtesy of goal differential, banking the two points on offer against Pulse presents a timely opportunity for the home team to steady the ship.
Found wanting by an impressive Adelaide Thunderbirds to the tune of 12 goals in their latest outing and dipping out to Pulse by a solitary goal two weeks ago, Taurua insists the defending champions are far from hitting desperation stakes.
``Contrary to what others may be thinking, spirits are good, we’re clearer on what we need to do and that’s what we’re working towards,’’ she said.
``We take the losses on the chin and our weaknesses but the desire to be better is definitely there and that’s very uplifting.’’
There will be no major shift in tactics for the Pulse match, the two key objectives being control and absorbing pressure through simple play. With Jess Tuki also back in the mix after recovering from an elbow injury, Taurua has the option of shoring up her wobbly attack line.
``Having the option of bringing Jess Tuki back into the fold will change the chemistry and our firepower in regards to our frontline attack,’’ she said.
``It’s definitely not about making huge changes at the moment. If we have to go into that, then we’re really into negative mode.’’
Despite a sizzling start, Kia Magic could not absorb Thunderbirds reply, the home team’s sustained pressure highlighting worrying signs on attack for the visitors. Key strike weapon Irene van Dyk had the rare occurrence of being kept scoreless during the third stanza before seeing out the remainder of the game from the bench.
Individually, Taurua acknowledges her attackers were exposed with their inability to execute under pressure but is confident the problems are fixable and has no doubts about her 40-year-old’s value.
``I have a huge amount of faith in Irene,’’ she said. ``We’ve been together for a very long time and to have a track record of only being taken off for two 15-minute quarters in 10 years is phenomenal.
``She takes those sorts of things on the chin, goes away and takes a good look at how she can be better and improve her game. The skills that she has is the reason why she has been in the game so long at this level.
``Also because she is so good, everyone she comes up against targets her and wants to put the best game that they possibly can against her. That’s the measure of her, she’s long been the benchmark of excellence and that has just increased opponents’ desire to lift their performance and come with their A game.
``I have got utter belief in her. It’s one of those things that happens in sport…..we take it on the chin and move on.’’
In her defence, van Dyk was not helped by the rest of the attack line failing to function as a unit.
``There’s trends that I’m starting to see in terms of our structures and patterns and we can fix it,’’ Taurua said.
``Just because you’ve lost last week doesn’t mean the circumstances are the same for this week, so it just goes into the back pocket of all the new learnings that you’re having and trying to be better equipped for the next time. That’s all you can wish for.’’
Jane Hunt
Kia Magic media liaison
Ph: 021-107-0287
