Netball: Wasps v Severn Stars preview

After Monday's tough home loss to second-placed Saracens Mavericks, Stars bid to bounce back against the Coventry-based Vitality Netball Superleague leaders at the Ricoh Arena.

“I actually think we match up quite nicely to Wasps,” said Bird.

“I think they play quite a lateral game, they don’t have that aerial capacity that Mavericks have at the back, so I’m looking forward to playing them.

"We know they are strong through the court but I think we match up well player for player, particularly at the ends of the court.

“We also play them at a time when they have had a busy week with their third match in a week so we have to try to take every advantage against them when we play them.”

Bird also praised her players’ reaction to the Mavericks defeat.

“The players bounced back into training on Tuesday morning and I’m so impressed with their desire to learn and improve,” she said.

“It’s a pleasure to see the commitment to the club by this squad and I’m convinced that their hard work and attitude will lead to better performances in the coming weeks.”

Bird was disappointed by Stars’ display at the University of Worcester Arena in the 64-46 loss to Mavericks.

She highlighted the first quarter when the team were level before they let Saracens score several in a row, leading to a seven-goal deficit after the first 15 minutes.

Bird put it down to a lack of concentration and said her team needed to play well for longer periods.

“It wasn’t good enough really and we have to look long and hard at that,” she said.

"When you have a new team, and it’s another new combination this year, it’s just giving them the belief to trust each other when they play.”

But Bird was pleased with her team's defending against Mavericks and hopes for more of the same against Wasps.

She added: “That’s a (England) Roses attack, a really strong attack, so I was really pleased with how our defence shut them down on occasions and did win the ball.”