Sapphire Series R1 live stream: TAE Ipswich Jets feature in opener against Brisbane South Wildcats

If winning their Ruby Series opener wasn’t impressive enough, TAE Ipswich Jets then gave a new-look Brisbane South Wildcats a lesson in the art of finishing in their Sapphire Series match up.

TAE Ipswich Jets kicked off their Sapphire Series campaign in style by beating the Brisbane South Wildcats 57-35 at the Nissan Arena on Saturday night.

The Jets took control of the match from the outset and led 15-6 at quarter time before extending their advantage to 30-16 by halftime.

The Wildcats were never in the hunt as the Jets added a further 27 goals in a dominant second half/

Earlier, the Jets also won their Ruby Series opener against the Wildcats, taking the match by 10 goals.

The 49-39 victory was built on a big third-quarter effort, with the Jets outscoring their opponents 13-8.

Brisbane South Wildcats v TAE Aerospace Jets (Ruby)

PREVIEW

The clash between two new-look sides on Saturday night heralds the start of a new era for the HART Sapphire Series.

TAE Ipswich Jets take on Brisbane South Wildcats at Nissan Arena in the first LIVE STREAMED game of a three-year partnership with News Corp’s KommunityTV.

Catch all the action from the doubleheader (Ruby and Sapphire Series) from 5pm. See the live schedule below.

With only seven teams in the competition this year, a good start is more important than ever in regards to the finals, and both the Wildcats and Jets will be out to make a big early impression.

READ THE SEASON GUIDE TO THE SAPPHIRE SERIES

THE BATTLE

The Jets’ 2023 lineup has been built from a majority of former club QUT’s best, including experienced coach Paula Stuart, and the stalwarts of the Jets. Expect this side to look slick and come out absolutely firing.

Their opponents, the Wildcats, are possibly less experienced at Sapphire level but possess an exciting feel about them.

Coach Megan Lynch said the side has developed a strong culture and are demanding more from themselves this season.

Expect a tough first half on Saturday night, but the experience of the Jets may prevail towards the final quarter.

KEY MATCH UP

Hultia Veve v Maddie Davies

Former Firebirds player Hulita Veve.

Wildcats gun Maddie Davies.

The master v the apprentice.

Jets’ centre Veve is captain of the Tongan national team, and has long been one of the most dominant centres in the Sapphire Series.

Her opponent: former QUT teammate Davies is electric to watch.

The battle of the midcourters should be exciting.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chloe Litherland (Jets): After moving more permanently into the wing defence position in recent years, Litherland has become one of the competition’s best at shutting down the flow of an opponent’s game. Her fitness and physically has also stepped up a notch, playing with Wilston Grange in the QAFLW.

Coco Smith (Wildcats): Tall shooter Smith has come across from Melbourne University in the Victoria Netball League where she played U19 finals in 2022. Her injection will be something to watch, as it’s unlikely Queensland players, nor coaches, will have had the chance to study her.