The Dragons have done it tough on the road in ’07 but don’t mistake their past two losses for poor form; South have faced two of the best teams in the league in Brisbane and Perth and have been unlucky to go down on both occasions.

The Breakers now sit in tenth spot on the Philips Championship ladder but are just one game outside the eight and have every chance of sneaking into the playoffs.

The stakes are high for tonight’s clash, with New Zealand out to secure a playoff berth and the Dragons still chasing a home final in week one of the series. Add to that mix the traditional trans-Tasman rivalry and this will be one hell of a match-up.

Just two weeks ago the Breakers were in the midst of a horror 10-game losing streak, but have since bounced back with two wins on the trot against Singapore and Wollongong.

But the Dragons have also shown promise of late. Shane Heal hit devastating form against Perth last week and was well supported by the likes of Kavossy Franklin, Rosell Ellis, Joe Ingles and Jacob Holmes.

Although the Dragons will be dwarfed by the Breakers’ line-up, the home side will be under the pump to match it with South’s on-court speed and skill.

And the Breakers know it.

New Zealand coach Andrej Lemanis this week agreed that when it comes to pace and athleticism, the Dragons are one of the best in the business.

“We’ve had even match-ups against (the Dragons) this season and it’s a classic case of our size versus their speed and athleticism,” Lemanis said.

“Our ability to control the tempo of the game and service the tall timber will be a telling factor in the outcome.”

The Dragons will look to Rosell Ellis and Jacob Holmes to counter the influence of New Zealand talls Carlos Powell and Ben Pepper in what should be a dynamic showdown.

Catch all tonight’s action on the big screen at Stadium Café. Get along to 7/2 Stadium Circuit, Waverly Park to cheer the Dragons home.

New Zealand Breakers v South Dragons
@ North Shore Convention Centre
Tip-off 5:00pm AEDT