IN each round of the ANZ Premiership we will identify one key match-up, provide an in-depth analysis of both players and compare the two styles. This week marks the grand final between the Pulse and Tactix as a host of highly touted players take the court, none more exciting than the battle between a pair of Silver Ferns teammates.

CENTRAL PULSE v. MAINLAND TACTIX
Katrina Rore (GD) v. Te Paea Selby-Rickit (GA)

Both players know each other’s game style extremely well having been around a while and spending time together in the Silver Ferns, making the contest between Katrina Rore and Te Paea Selby-Rickit a hotly contested battle. Rore has been hot and cold in recent weeks while Selby-Rickit has really built into the season and rejuvenated herself in her new colours.

The captain of the Pulse is an inspiration down back with her ball tracking abilities and lean over the shot. Although she has been a bit shaky in her past couple of appearances, throwing away uncharacteristic ball, Rore is no easy beat. She is able to jump into action and provide an element of excitement to the defensive third with her leap and skill to consistently get hands to ball to disrupt the flow of her oppositions attack. Rore is a menace both under the post with her lean but so too out the front with her tagging style of play, to go toe-to-toe with her opposing goal attack and nullify every single one of their drives. Working well with Kelly Jury in the defensive circle, Rore has valued the extra centimetres Jury has to offer able to go out hunting more and look for those cross-court passes, while also collecting tips off the goal keeper. Her partnership with Karin Burger is also important to the Pulse’s set-up with Rore and Burger often working in tandem to shut down the attacking third with their hands over pressure, quick footwork and smothering intensity to clog up space.

Selby-Rickit is a real barometer for the Tactix and can spark her side into action with her attacking forays. The goal attack is crafty with each of her possessions, often receiving every second pass to set up walls in attack and slice through opposition defences. Her fancy footwork and ability to baulk the ball catches defenders off-guard and allows her clear vision into the circle. Her connection with Kimiora Poi and Erikana Pedersen both in the attacking and centre third is crucial to the Tactix game play, feeding off their speed to open space across the court. Selby-Rickit’s ability to get the give and go is another important element for her game play using her clever footwork to manoeuvre around her opponent with ease. Influential with ball in hand to link up with goal shooter Ellie Bird, Selby-Rickit is just as dominant in the goal circle with her ability to go to post from distance and close range. Although she does not put up a wealth of shots it is her composure to stand up and take ownership that often sets the tone for the Tactix in attack.

Selby-Rickit is a confidence player who thrives off having a strong start to any game, meaning if Rore can get in her head early and shut down her drive it will go a long way in tilting the favour towards the Pulse. The goal attacks’ accuracy and movement often suffers when she is down on confidence allowing the Pulse to reap the rewards and subsequently convert. However these two know each other’s game extremely well and know all of the tricks in the book making for an enthralling battle.

Other notable match-ups that should be taken into account is the battle between Temalisi Fakahokotau and Aliyah Dunn while Jane Watson up against Ameliaranne Ekenasio will also draw a lot attention given just how dominant each player is for their respective side.