By Stephanie Smarrelli
Four will meet, one will walk away with the trophy. It’s a new year and the Origin Australian Diamonds are raring to go.
The Diamonds will face New Zealand, England and South Africa this month aiming to win the Netball Quad Series trophy as they did in 2022.
The series is being held in Cape Town, giving teams a taste of what’s to come with the Netball World Cup to be played there in July and August.
The Diamonds have defeated all three opponents in their most recent meetings, however, the series is unlikely to be a walk in the park.
Here’s why. SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa will host both the Quad Series and Netball World Cup this year. The SPAR Proteas last came up against the Diamonds in Birmingham at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Diamonds won by 25 goals and defeated the Proteas earlier in the year by 20 goals.
South Africa is yet to name their team for the series but with the possible return of Karla Pretorius to their lineup the Australian goalers will be on notice. NEW ZEALAND
The deciding match of the series was a four-goal thriller, with Australia only winning one quarter of the match to steal the cup.
The Ferns' side will be bolstered for the Quad Series with the return of seasoned defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger plus midcourt duo Gina Crampton and Claire Kersten.
ENGLAND
It was a clean sweep on home soil for the Diamonds winning all three matches, however, it would be foolish to underestimate the Roses.
Despite winning their most recent clashes, the Diamonds will be challenged by the Roses in the Quad Series. With the likes of Jo Harten, Helen Housby and Eleanor Cardwell under the ring and defenders Funmi Fadoju, Geva Mentor and Layla Guscoth down the other end, the Roses have what it takes to win.
AUSTRALIA
A 14-player squad has been named for the January journey to Cape Town with midcourter Ash Brazill returning to the side having missed the Constellation Cup and England Series.
Captain Liz Watson will lead the team with the Diamonds focusing on improving connections and getting a better understanding of their opponents ahead of the World Cup.
Donning the green and gold alongside Brazill and Watson will be Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Paige Hadley, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Jo Weston and Steph Wood.
HOW TO WATCH
The Diamonds will take a 14-player squad to Cape Town for the series. FIXTURE (all dates and times in AEDT)
January 22, 2023
January 23, 2023
January 25, 2023
January 26, 2023
