The Origin Australian Diamonds have gone two from two in Cape Town after sealing a second win of the Quad Series with a 59-57 victory over the Silver Ferns.
The Ferns jumped the Aussies early and took a four goal lead (17-13) into the first break, after leading by eight early.
Grace Nweke was once again causing problems for the Diamonds defence and was 12 from 14 at quarter time, while Ferns skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio slotted five.
The combination of the Sunshine Coast Lightning teammates, Cara Koenen and Steph Wood, in the goal circle helped keep the Australians in it.
Koenen's slick work on the baseline was on full display in the second quarter. The goal shooter managed to create space when there was none and shot 13/13 at 100 per cent.
The Diamonds have made it two from two in Cape Town.Kate Moloney and Sarah Klau worked hard to win ball back for the Australians. Both finished the term with a gain apiece, bringing the margin back to a goal at the main break.
Both teams made some changes heading into the third quarter.
Paige Hadley came into centre for Moloney who went to the bench while the Ferns' goal attack Ekenasio also left the court and was replaced by Maia Wilson.
Peta Toeava also came into the game, injecting speed onto the court and keeping Ash Brazill on her toes.
But the Diamonds managed to get the match on their terms in the third.
Courtney Bruce really came into the game out at goal defence, taking three intercepts for the quarter.
Courtney Bruce had an impressive game out at goal defence.Diamonds captain Liz Watson was impressive as always, particularly in the third quarter where she had 12 feeds and six goal assists.
The Australians took a one goal lead into the last.
Wood really stood up in that last quarter, sinking long bombs and helping the Diamonds out to their biggest lead of the night - five goals.
You can never rule out the Ferns though, they clawed the margin back to just two goals in the dying moments, making the Diamonds fight until the end to seal their second win of the series.
The Australians have a day off to recover before facing South Africa in front of their home crowd on Wednesday (3am AEDT).
