Silver Ferns outplay SPAR Proteas in first Test in Auckland

The Silver Ferns continued their dominance over the SPAR Proteas with a commanding 77-51 win in the first Test match in Auckland. This result marks their 37th victory in the 39 clashes between the two nations.

The teams last met during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, where they played to a dramatic 48-all draw. This fixture was also the first time since 2018 that South Africa faced New Zealand on their home soil.

The Proteas started brightly, converting their opening centre pass to take an early lead but the Ferns’ experience quickly showed as they surged ahead to a 20-8 advantage by the first break.

South Africa’s attacking duo of Rolene Streutker and Kamogelo Maseko struggled to find their rhythm early on, combining for just eight goals from 15 attempts. Head coach Jenny van Dyk introduced Elmere van der Berg in the second quarter and she made an immediate impact but New Zealand maintained their stranglehold, winning the quarter 21-14 to lead comfortably at half-time.

In the third quarter, Van Dyk turned to her bench again, bringing on Tarle Mathe, Nichole Breedt and Jamie van Wyk to inject fresh energy. Midway through, the Proteas suffered a blow when captain Khanyisa Chawane was forced off with injury, with Maseko returning to the court. The Silver Ferns capitalised, taking the championship quarter 17-13 and extending their lead to 58-35.

South Africa continued to battle in the final quarter, showing glimpses of resilience but the Silver Ferns’ composure and clinical finishing saw them close out a 77-51 victory.

Van Dyk reflected after the game: “We are obviously disappointed with the result, this is not how we were hoping the game would end. The damage was done already in the first quarter – the speed, the precision and the momentum. We had done our homework and prepared as best as we could. This is not the start that we wanted however we will go back and regroup. This is not how we envisioned to start our international campaign. Our players now understand that there is a standard that we need to adhere to, we need to put in the work, and level up. We have a lot of work to do before the next match and that is what we are going to do.”

Second match will be played on Wednesday and will be on SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209).

Fixtures (SAST)

New Zealand v South Africa on Sunday @ 9.40am – NZ won 77-51

New Zealand v South Africa on Wednesday @ 9.40am

New Zealand v South Africa on Sunday @ 9.40am

All matches will be televised on SuperSport.

SPAR Proteas Squad

Khanyisa Chawane (capt), Nicholé Breedt, Entle Futshane, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré van der Berg, Shadine van der Merwe, Juanita van Tonder, Jamie van Wyk, Sanmarie Visser.