THE second day of games is set to be a big one with Jamaica and New Zealand set to face off while the Spar Proteas will be hoping to claim their first win of the Nations Cup. We take a look at one potential matchup from each game and assess the likely outcome.

JAMAICA v. NEW ZEALAND
Shamera Sterling (GK) v. Maia Wilson (GS)

It will be an intense battle with both Jamaica and New Zealand coming off strong wins. Both players are up and coming within their respective countries but have the fire power to make a real difference across the court with their ability to turn it on when it counts. Sterling came off the court with injury late in the Day 1 match but will hope to take the court with a day’s rest behind her.

The Jamaican goal keeper is a real livewire for the Sunshine Girls, able to read the play with ease and use her leap to full advantage to cause disruption in the goal circle. She is deceptively quick for her height and while she is a real presence in the air her skill at ground level is just as impressive credit to her lanky arms. Sterling oozes excitement and unpredictability constantly looking to force a turnover and use her feet to get good elevation for a rebound or intercept. Her movement across the court is dynamic and while she is slight in stature she can mix it with the bigger and more physical bodies. She is often unfazed by the body on body style of defence and can change her game play up to have an impact throughout the match.

Youngster, Wilson is full of potential and growing with confidence. Her footwork is highly impressive, able to sneak closer to the post and open up space with her strong holds. Although she is still developing her craft, Wilson has proved that she has plenty of composure and nous to think her way through the pressure and deliver. She can change up her game style turning from a holding shooter to a moving goaler making her an exciting prospect for the Ferns. She is not afraid to turn to post given her accuracy and volume paired with her commanding presence, making her a real player to watch. Her combination with Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Bailey Mes could prove damaging for the Sunshine Girls if they cannot stop their shooter to shooter interplay.

Wilson is a confidence player so if Sterling can impose herself early and limit the easy transition down the court it will go a long way in getting Jamaica over the line. Sterling is renowned for her physicality and aerial ability meaning Wilson will have to work in overdrive to out think her opposition and ride through the constant body on body defence.

ENGLAND v. SOUTH AFRICA
Eleanor Cardwell (GA) v. Karla Pretorius (GD)

South African, Karla Pretorius had a relatively quiet first game and will be looking to return to her dominant form against the less experienced Eleanor Cardwell who has plenty of versatility and skill. Both sides struggled in the opening match unable to find their rhythm, making for an intriguing battle in the circle.

Although she is typically suited to a goal shooter position Cardwell found her feet in goal attack and has shown she has the skillset to have an immediate impact there. Her movement is solid, able to take the hard drive on the baseline or float across the top of the circle depending on the situation while her ability to read the play and rotate through the goal circle with ease makes her a viable option out front. She is not afraid to take the long bomb and use her feet to switch up play.

Pretorius is no stranger to the big stage, able to pull a monkey out of a hat more times than not with her quick feet and nimble hands. She can dart across the court and pick off passes, with her deceptive speed making her a constant threat to any opposition line-up. The goal defence has proven time and time again that she is a real mastermind down back with her hands over pressure and lean over the shot. Pretorius is key through the midcourt playing a crucial role to help move the ball down the court and provide a back-up option on the transverse line. Her ability to confuse the space and force a turnover is second to none, constantly on the prowl to upset the opposition’s flow in attack.

Cardwell is quite tall for a goal attack and therefore will have to use her height against the likes of Pretorius to make the most of her opportunities under the post. But if Pretorius can shut down Cardwell and smother her movement, expect England to struggle to get out of the South African stranglehold.