Netball: What the Kiwi coaches think

Helen Mahon-Stroud. Photo / Christchurch Star

Te Aroha Keenan: Northern Mystics

Pick: Magic

"Normally I would have gone with the Swifts, but I'm not so sure after last week, so I would probably have to go with the Magic. They've still got some issues, but I think they're playing really well at the moment and seem to be hitting some form.

"One of the things that is really great to see, and will be pleasing for [Ferns coach] Ruth Aitken, is that the three key players in that team [Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman and Casey Williams] are all playing out of their skin."

Yvette McCausland-Durie: Central Pulse

Pick: Magic

"I think the Magic will do it. I thought they played a good team game against the Steel, and they have good strengths as individuals.

"After what the Thunderbirds did last weekend, it will be just enough to put doubt in the Swifts minds."

Helen Mahon-Stroud: Canterbury Tactix

Pick: Magic

"My first inclination would be to say the Swifts, but we've seen a very different Magic team over the past couple of weeks - I think they've peaked at the right time of the season.

"But it will be a big challenge. If the Swifts attacking game is on song, they're pretty bloody good. So it's really going to come down to the Magic's ability to break up their flow on attack.

"I think the Magic defence had a jolly good game against the Steel, that defensive unit of Casey [Williams], Jodi [Tod] and Jade [Clarke] worked superbly together, so if they can re-enact that against the Swifts they'll be on track."

Robyn Broughton: Southern Steel

Pick: Swifts

"Oh they'll struggle, they'll struggle," Broughton said of the Magic.

"The Swifts will come back. They're elite players and they know how to come back."