The Southern Steel will be looking to keep their undefeated ANZ Premiership record in tact when they face the Central Pulse in a grand final rematch - writes Ravinder Hunia
Southern Steel captain Wendy Frew Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
Both the Steel and Pulse are coming off convincing wins after the competition's Super Sunday event in Palmerston North with the Wellington-based side sitting at the top of the table early.
The Steel are on a seventeen game winning streak, never losing a match since the New Zealand domestic competition began last year, and captain Wendy Frew says she isn't about to let it change against the Pulse tonight.
"Obviously we'd love to go undefeated the whole season and we're taking it game by game." says Frew
"It's a new group of players this year and last year we had a great year winning every game but I think this comp is a lot tougher."
"You go out to win every game and that's our goal."
New Central Pulse and former Silver Ferns defender Sulu Fitzpatrick Photo: Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
The highly anticipated grand final rematch is unchartered territory for both sides since both losing their key goal shooters and adding to their defensive ends.
The one strength the Steel have retained is their overwelming experience in the mid-court which includes Silver Ferns Gina Crampton, Shannon Francois, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Steel captain Frew.
The Pulse will have to work hard as the youngest side of the competition but Frew doesn't doubt their capability for a second.
"Pulse are a really good side, I think their form in the pre-season was extremely good and we know it will be a tought battle." says Frew.
"If we want to contend with them we have to step up our performance and certainly the focus now turns."
The Southern Steel play the Central Pulse at 7.45pm at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North.
- RNZ
