The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic netball coach says the side needs to cut down on its defensive penalties if it's to be competitive against the Australian-based outfits.
Last night the Magic lost its first game to another New Zealand side this trans-Tasman season, going down 52-47 to the Southern Steel in Invercargill.
The Magic will face three Australian teams in the next four weeks, and coach Noeline Taurua says the team can't afford to give away so many penalties.
Taurua says those games will be tough and her team needs to improve and perform better as well as know when to back off at critical times and not involve the umpires.
The Magic host the Queensland Firebirds next Monday.