The Origin Australian Diamonds have locked up a spot in the Netball Quad Series final after defeating the SPAR Proteas by 20 goals in London overnight.
The win, secured before the England Roses defeated the New Zealand Silver Ferns 49-46 in the later game, means the trophy holders will play the hosts two times in two days from Wednesday.
It was an up and down sort of performance from the Diamonds, who at times looked slick in transition and unstoppable in attack, but will also feel they weren't as consistent as they need to be throughout the full 60 minutes.
Their second straight win has earned the Diamonds a fascinating climax to the four-team tournament, with two games in two days against England.
But before then, they'll have a dress rehearsal in Tuesday's (Wednesday morning AEDT) last round-robin game, which will give Diamonds' coach Stacey Marinkovich another chance to gauge the strength of what is looking a powerful new squad.
"I think playing England's going be fantastic," said Marinkovich, who'll be facing England for the first time since she took over in August 2020.
"England have been playing some really classy netball, they've got depth and experience across the squad and it's a challenge for everyone.
"We're looking forward to stepping out against them because it's been a long time.
"We were meant to play last year but couldn't because of COVID, but the fact we can take that battle now is great for us and super exciting for international netball."
Marinkovich was able to ring the changes after the 53-39 win over New Zealand, bringing in Maddy Turner and Kate Moloney into the starting seven, tinkering with positional changes and resting captain Liz Watson and defender Jo Weston.
She also enjoyed giving a historic debut to 21-year-old Sunday Aryang, who became Diamond No.184 and the first African-born player to represent Australia.
Aryang came on five minutes before halftime and produced a fine performance alongside player of the match Courtney Bruce, who had a solid performance against Ine-Mari Venter and the South African attack end.
"It was a crazy moment for me, kinda surreal, I wasn't expecting it," said the Ethiopian-born player, who moved to Australia with her family in 2002.
"I knew the debut would come one day but didn't expect it at that time. It's something that took some time to sink in but once I got out there, I just felt I belonged out there and it made it so much easier."
She soon slotted in impressively alongside Bruce, who was impressed by her fellow West Australian.
"I'm so proud of her - I think I've celebrated more than she did. Look out, that's the beginning of a phenomenal career for Sunday," said Bruce.
Bruce reckoned the Diamonds had been given a stern test by a South African outfit that came out fired up after a record Quad Series drubbing by England the previous day.
Yet though the Proteas, who have now never beaten Australia in 41 attempts, challenged impressively and kept their deficit to within four points (27-23) at the break, the Diamonds rang them ragged after the interval with their fluid movement.
Halftime replacement Sophie Garbin scored 18 of her 19 shots at goal and strike partner Gretel Bueta was excellent, as Australia dominated the second half 33-17.
