Netball Tour: Silver Ferns dominate SPAR Proteas 77-51 in first Auckland Test
New Zealand’s Silver Ferns beat the SPAR Proteas 77-51 in the opening Test in Auckland, as South Africa showed flashes of promise but couldn’t match the home side’s speed and precision.
Image: Supplied / Netball New Zealand
THE SILVER Ferns outclassed the SPAR Proteas 77-51 in the first of three international netball Tests in Auckland, extending their dominance to 37 wins from 39 meetings.
It was the first time the two nations met on New Zealand soil since 2018, and followed their dramatic 48-all draw at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
Fast start, tough finish
South Africa began brightly, converting their opening centre pass, but New Zealand’s precision quickly told. The hosts surged to a 20-8 lead by the first break.
Coach Jenny van Dyk admitted the early collapse proved costly. “We are obviously disappointed with the results, this is not how we were hoping the game would end. The damage was done already in the first quarter – the speed, the precision, and the momentum,” she said.
Substitutions test Proteas' depth
Rolene Streutker and Kamogelo Maseko struggled to find rhythm early, with just eight goals from 15 attempts. Van Dyk introduced Elmere van der Berg in the second quarter, who made an immediate impact, though the Ferns still dominated the period 21-14 to lead 41-22 at halftime.
More changes came after the break, as Tarle Mathe, Nichole Breedt and Jamie van Wyk were given a chance to steady the Proteas. Captain Khanyisa Chawane was forced off injured, but the fresh combinations highlighted South Africa’s depth.
Room to regroup
Despite losing the third quarter 17-13, the Proteas battled hard until the end, with phases of resilience against New Zealand’s composure and speed.
Van Dyk said the series is still an opportunity to rise to the challenge. “We had done our homework and prepared as best as we could. This is not the start that we wanted. However, we will go back and regroup,” she said.
“This is not how we envisioned to start our international campaign. Our players now understand that there is a standard that we need to adhere to, we need to put in the work, and level up. We have a lot of work to do before the next match, and that is what we are going to do.”