The second match of the South Africa Series saw a huge clash between the Origin Australian Diamonds and South Africa SPAR Proteas, as the Diamonds came away with a 67-52 victory.
Cheered on by a 3647-strong Tasmanian crowd at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart, the Diamonds fired up after a closely-fought first half to claim the 15-goal win.
Early gains were the name of the game for the Diamonds, as a highly defensive start challenged the Proteas early.
A great use of explosive speed to transition down court kept the energy high, while both sides stood strong to post.
The South Africa defence was up and about early, as former Sunshine Coast Lightning duo Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni took full advantage of their knowledge of Cara Koenen to confidently challenge her every move.
The injection of South African young gun Kamogelo Maseko into the goal circle was pivotal, keeping Courtney Bruce on her toes, however, composure in attack led the Diamonds to an early five-goal ascendancy.
South Africa flew out of the blocks with a 6-1 start to the second quarter, drawing level with the Diamonds and spurred on by a passionate bench and plenty of Proteas fans in the house.
But the Diamonds - and Bruce in particular - were not to be outdone, using their long reach to impact as Amy Parmenter and Jamie-Lee Price wreaked havoc in the midcourt and Sarah Klau stood tall under the post.
The physicality was up, but so were the South Africans as the Diamonds were forced to work hard to extend their lead once more.
It was heavy work from captain Liz Watson alongside Koenen and Sophie Dwyer that turned the tide, with greater composure in the attacking third allowing better connection.
The Diamonds stemmed the flow to lead by seven at the main break.
Head coach Stacey Marinkovich made a wealth of changes heading into the second half, as Koenen moved into GA and Donnell Wallam, Paige Hadley, Sunday Aryang and Matilda Garrett took the court.
The fresh legs had an immediate impact as the Diamonds piled three quick goals on the board, extending their lead to 10 goals to eventually lead by 12 at the final change.
Koenen's stellar outing continued despite playing more of a feeder role, pairing seamlessly with Wallam to pile on the offensive pressure.
The heat continued in a high-powered final term, as another new-look defensive combination - Aryang, Bruce and Garrett - piled on three early gains to maintain control.
Impressive form from both sides showed that there are no easy wins in international netball, and Proteas goal attack Maseko earned player of the match for her impressive 20-goal haul.
Koenen (27 goals at 100 percent), Wallam (25/27) and Dwyer (15/20), while the Diamonds outfit combined for an incredible 17 gains across eight players.
Watson finished with an impressive 26 goal assists from 31 feeds.
