Tactix Preview 2014 ANZC

With a couple of noteble changes, 2014 could be a make or break year for the Canterbury franchise.

Since the ANZ Championship competition began in 2008 the Tactix have constantly struggled and have yet to make the same progress as other franchises. Despite being given 2 import players after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake it has done little to help the franchise.

Tactix Squad

Anna Thompson (Captain) - resigned 

Juliana Nauopu - resigned

Jade Clarke - resigned, international import player

Zoe Walker - resigned

Jane Watson - resigned

Sophia Fenwick - resigned

Keisha Grant - resigned

Mwai Kumwenda - international import new contract

Jess Moulds - signed from Mystics

Hayley Saunders - signed from Mystics

Louise Thayer - resigned

Nicola Mackle - new contract

For the 2014 season as mentioned earlier the Tactix have lost the services of English import Jo Harten up north to the Magic. This has left quite a sizeable hole in the Tactix attacking end and it has been filled with the first Malawi international player Mwai Kumwenda. 

Kumwenda has made an impact in the Victorian State league competition for the past 2 seasons as well as making a name for herself in the recent Fast 5 series and test series against Australia and New Zealand.

The big question everyone will be asking of Kumwenda, is if she can keep up with the fast pace of the game as well as the physical nature week in week out. 

Tactix fans will be hoping local girl Juliana Naoupu will be available for more court time next season after she spent the majority of the 2013 season out recovering from a serious knee injury.

Anna Thompson has again been given the Captaincy role and after a poor series against Australia she will be looking for a fresh start in 2014 both in her own performance but also as a leader of this young team. 

The youthful defensive duo of Jane Watson and Zoe Walker will again be one to watch, with both been pegged as future Silver Ferns they will need to build on an impressive first season in the competition.

If the Tactix can't build in 2014 perhaps questions may be asked about weather they are a viable option to continue in the competition. As the seasons have gone on the crowd numbers have dwindled and the franchise need to post more wins on the board to try and re attract the sports mad Cantabrian crowd back to support the girls.

What do you think of the team for next season?