A Word With ... Bessie Manu | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Flames defender Bessie Manu talks to Nick Tolerton as her team chases a semi-final spot in the National Bank Cup

# Do you need to win your final two games against the Shakers tomorrow at Westpac and the Sting next week to make the semis?

Yes we do. And we definitely can. But we've all got to play to what we are capable of. If we believe in one another and as a team we can win both.

# What are you expecting from the Shakers?

You can never go on court thinking it will be easy, as the England-New Zealand game proved. We won't take them lightly. Their strength is that they just keep going and going. They're quite a little nuggety team, and do a lot of short sharp movements.

# Has the break for the international window hurt the Flames?

No, trust me! The last two weeks we've had a full blow-out and it will be exciting to get back in competition again.

# You've had four matches against the Canterbury men. How helpful were those?

It's good against the men, because it's a fast game and they put on a different style. It's quite funny, they put on a 6ft 8in guy ? or he seemed that tall ? and I stood and did my guard, and it was just like, no point. I put my hands down and started laughing. But the men make us think more because of the way they can jump and things like that.

# Defending against them leave a few bruises?

Always, always! It's quite physical.

# Losing Vili Davu this season was a blow, but you've overcome that?

Yes, I think it was important to settle down without her, and it is great we can feel comfortable putting anyone on.

# Your favourite movie?

The Harry Potter movies ? and I especially love the books.

# Worst?

The Anchorman.

# What do you like and dislike on TV?

My favourites are Home and Away and CSI. I turn off Coronation Street, but I'll get shot for saying that because I'm sure Grubby and that like it!

# Favourite place for dining out?

Anything that's eatable.

# Are you a champion in the kitchen?

No. You ask anyone! But if you want two minute noodles or something on toast, come to me.

# Who's your favourite Crusader?

Looks or talent? Everyone knows I've always been in love with Mose Tuiali'i. And I like Kevin Senio as a player.

# Who's the team stirrer?

Shelley Norris. She loves to cause trouble.

# I think some of your team mates have dropped you in before for this question Bessie, but who spends most time in front of the mirror?

Definitely Jade Topia. I can, but she spends more.

# Funniest thing you've seen on the court?

I can only think of falling over a couple of times ? and it happened when Mose and that came to watch us. Quite embarrassing!

# Tell us about some vices at the Flames?

Julie Seymour loves her little baking and her cups of tea. Something sweet and a cuppa, and she'll die for it!