The birth of her fifth baby last night prevented Noeline Taurua from attending training but the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic netball coach will be sideline for Sunday's all-important clash.
Weighing in at 9lb 1oz, the as-yet unnamed daughter made a swift arrival at 8.31pm, just five minutes after her mother presented at Rotorua Hospital.
Both mother and daughter were doing well, with Taurua expecting to go home within two hours of the birth.
The team's training went ahead last night as normal ahead of Sunday's trans-Tasman league major semifinal against the NSW Swifts, with assistant coach Hikitia Gallagher taking over the reigns.
Plans have been in place for several weeks to cover Taurua's absence with Gallagher well primed to take over.
Taurua is expected to be back to normal duties on Sunday for the match in Hamilton,where the winner will progress directly to the July 28 final.
