Netball: Magic playing a mind game

Noeline Taurua

Magic coach Noeline Taurua is thinking about mental rather than physical matters in the lead-up to Friday night's final against the Sting at Hamilton's Mystery Creek.

Former Silver Fern Taurua is confident her players can more than match the Sting on court as they bid to retain the National Bank Cup title, but her focus is on making sure their heads are switched on to the job.

"We've got to keep our emotions level," she said yesterday.

"Preparing and planning is huge at this stage, making sure we're not playing the game before we've played it."

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty franchise gave the Sting a 10-goal belting in the first semifinal on June 16, which means they have won the last four games against the six-times cup champions from Southland.

While the Magic took the direct route to the final, the Sting had to beat the Force in the last-chance semi in Invercargill last Friday.

They were second best for much of the match, but hung on and pinched it in extra time for a thrilling 64-59 win.

Taurua was impressed with the Sting's improved speed in that game, and intrigued by the contribution of Donna Loffhagen. The former Silver Fern/Tall Fern was called in the day before the match, despite not having played netball for a year.

Although Taurua admires the qualities Loffhagen brings to the Sting, her presence won't mean significant tactical adjustments on Friday.

"I know she just adds a bit of passion and that uplifts the team as well," Taurua said. "For the years I've known them, she actually is the Sting, I reckon. She's pulled them out of some hard situations."

This week, the Magic, who are injury-free, are replicating the lead-up they used for their semifinal. They go into camp this afternoon to fine-tune preparation for a game they hope will maintain their standing as the premier team in the cup.

As of yesterday, the final was almost sold out.