Australia v South Africa: What you need to know

By Stephanie Smarrelli

Fresh off the back of a blockbuster Constellation Cup the Origin Australian Diamonds are now turning their attention to a historic test series again South Africa. 

The two sides will face-off in a three-match series played across Cairns and Hobart. It marks the first time the reigning Netball World Cup champions will play in those two cities. 

And while South Africa’s SPAR Proteas are ranked fifth in the world, their impressive performance at the recent World Cup proved they’ve got the talent across the court that could challenge the world number ones. 
 

FRESH CHANCE 

Eight players who featured in the Origin Diamonds’ winning World Cup team will feature against the Proteas but there will also be a few fresh inclusions. 

None more so than Matilda Garrett who will make her debut for the Diamonds if she takes the court. 

Garrett was added to the Australian squad earlier this year after impressing selectors with her ability to maintain intensity with a tight one-on-one defence. 

While last year's International Test Series debutants Donnell Wallam and Amy Parmenter will get another taste of international netball.  

The SPAR Proteas finished sixth at the Netball World Cup following a two-goal loss to Uganda in their placings match and aren’t to be taken lightly. At this year’s World Cup 22-year-old Elmeré van der Berg put her mark on the international stage slotting 206 goals at 85 per cent.  

While defensive veteran Phumza Maweni was the most penalised player to take the court with a combined 132 contacts and obstructions. 

South Africa has a range of players who may retire before the next Netball World Cup comes around in 2027 so this series will be a good opportunity for some of the newer Proteas to get more experience competing against the world’s best team. 

LAST TIME THEY MET 

The last time the two sides met was at this year’s Quad Series, a match the Origin Diamonds won by 17 goals. 

Bongiwe Msomi was influential through South Africa’s midcourt with 24 feeds. While in the shooting circle Ine-Marí Venter slotted 29 goals from 36 attempts. 

The Origin Diamond used the match to test a range of different combinations on the court with all 12 players hitting the court for at least one quarter. 

Paige Hadley tallied 27 feeds for the side in three quarters, while Courtney Bruce had six gains and three intercepts in a half of netball. 

The two teams' other recent match ups include a 25-goal win to the Origin Diamonds at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a similar margin of 20 goals in the 2022 edition of the Quad Series. 

The first match between the two sides will take place in Cairns on Wednesday 25 October before the teams head to Tasmania for games two and three in Hobart on Sunday 29 October and Tuesday 31 October.  

Australian audiences can watch free and live on Kayo Freebies or tune in to the radio broadcast via the Sports Entertainment Network.