THERE will be some eye-catching battles once again in the Nations Cup with New Zealand and South Africa set to do battle while England take on Jamaica. All four countries have a wealth of players who can cause damage across the court. We take a look at one potential matchup from each game and assess the likely outcome.

NEW ZEALAND v. SOUTH AFRICA
Karin Burger (WD) v. Bongi Msomi (WA)

Both players have very differing styles but are essential in getting their respective teams over the line. New Zealand are renowned for their zone style of defence, a role Burger plays well, while South Africa and Msomi in particular will be focusing on using speed to keep the Ferns’ heads spinning.

Burger has come along in leaps and bounds in the past year with the talented defender developing her craft and using her height to full advantage. She is quite nimble and light on her feet, able to shadow her opposition wing attack and not get run off her feet. Her balance paired with her aerial skill makes her a damaging prospect around the circle edge for the Silver Ferns. She is deceptively fast and uses her three-foot marking to block the view of her opposition and cause turnovers. Burger is not afraid to back herself and hunt any cross-court ball while her ability to get hands to ball helps to disrupt the attacking flow of the opposition.

The South African captain oozes experience and speed, often darting around the court and hitting the circle edge with precision. Although she can be costly at times making unforced ball-handling errors, she is a real barometer for the Spar Proteas given her drive and timing. Msomi is the key to bringing the ball down court seamlessly and giving first access to the goalers. Her work at the centre pass is second to none, consistently coming out to provide an option while her repositioning around the circle edge allows the shooters to reset. Msomi is renowned for her quick footwork and fast hands, able to dish off passes and use her vision to deliver pin point passes despite the defensive pressure.

It will be an exciting match-up between the two players who boast an extremely different skillset. Burger will have the height advantage standing at 184cm compared to Msomi at 166cm and will be hoping to have an immediate impact with her hands over pressure. If the Silver Fern can clog up the space and block Msomi’s vision across the court she will be able to halt the Spar Proteas’ attacking third.

ENGLAND v. JAMAICA
Kate Shimmin (GD) v. Shanice Beckford (GA)

Jamaica got their Nations Cup off to a hot start and will want to prove they can match it with the best despite England lacking their usual star power. Beckford is a part of the furniture in the Jamaican team while Shimmin is still adjusting to the international stage, making for an intriguing contest between the two.

Australian and Adelaide Thunderbirds favourite, Shimmin has a plethora of athletic ability with her leap a major draw card of her game. She is often able to get up to the high balls and reel them in despite not being overly tall like many other defenders. Still finding her feet in the Roses line-up, Shimmin will want to assert herself on the contest and use her pressure over the shot to cause doubt in the goalers’ minds. The defender is renowned for her physical style and hunt for the ball and will want to bring those instincts into the clash to get her side over the line.

The tiny Jamaican goal attack plays a crucial role in the Sunshine Girls attack end, often providing support for the likes of Jhaniele Fowler or Shimona Nelson. Beckford’s role should not be underestimated with the goaler often the mastermind behind some clever attacking forays and helping to create space. Her nous on when to cut through the circle or float across the top is impressive and while she does not put up a lot of shots plays a good cameo when need be, especially with her ability to turn and shoot from anywhere. She is a real speedster through the midcourt and attacking third, constantly giving and going to open space and keeping the defenders guessing.

It will be a relatively even contest between the two players with Shimmin able to match Beckford for speed but having the upper hand when it comes to aerial ability. However, if the goal attack is left unmarked for too long she will be able to dictate the game with her precision passing and understanding with Fowler, meaning Jamaica will more than likely get the win.