Silver Ferns dominate South Africa in series opener
The Silver Ferns put a stamp on their superior world ranking to clinch a decisive 77-51 win over South Africa in the first of the WM New Zealand Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy in Auckland on Sunday.
The second-ranked Silver Ferns proved too efficient for the fifth-ranked South Africans as they galvanised and rose from a challenging couple of weeks to rubber-stamp a comprehensive outing on the back of a sizzling start.
In the process, interim head coach Yvette McCausland-Durie was able to give all her game-day 12 court time while having the opportunity to explore playing combinations. Adding the icing, shooter Martina Salmon and defender Catherine Hall made their Silver Ferns debuts.
Playing their first test match in almost a year, the Silver Ferns presented with a reasonably experienced starting seven.
Recalled midcourter Peta Toeava got her first taste of international netball in two years when making the Silver Ferns starting line-up while Georgia Heffernan won the race for the goal attack’s bib as Grace Nweke’s shooting partner.
A new-look South Africa, having already played seven tests this year, and with a total of 113 more test caps than the Silver Ferns in their ranks, highlighted by lively and well-performed midcourter Khanyisa Chawane lining up for her 98th test, were well-primed for the challenge.
However, the visitors’ confident start, where long-range shooter Rolene Streukter was a prominent figure, quickly evaporated once the Silver Ferns found their groove.
Kate Heffernan and Maddy Gordon provided the midcourt defence to squeeze the Proteas’ options while rangy goalkeeper Kelly Jackson began to dominate Streukter with her long reach and rebounding ability.
Losing their confidence, the Proteas quickly unravelled as the Silver Ferns revelled in the conditions, their ball speed proving the difference with the Toeava/Nweke link adding to the home side’s momentum.
Finishing with a flourish, the Silver Ferns headed into the first break well in control when leading 20-8.
South Africa made three changes on the resumption while going on to produce a more competitive second stanza.
The ball speed and free-flowing style of the Silver Ferns continued unabated with the midcourt of Gordon, Toeava and Kate Heffernan proving almost unstoppable at times.
Goal attack Salmon was quickly introduced for her Silver Ferns debut early in the piece, finding her range with some long shots to settle in seamlessly.
The Proteas had little answer to the height and aerial dominance of Nweke, who slotted 32 from 35 shots in the first half but shooter Elmere van der Berg proved accurate when given the opportunity while wing defence Jamie van Wyk was an energetic and disruptive presence.
However, South Africa were left with a mountain to climb when the Silver Ferns bolted into the main break with 41-22 lead.
Kimiora Poi was introduced at wing attack for the Silver Ferns in the third quarter, and while the game was out of reach, the visitors delivered their most consistent and competitive 15 minutes of the game.
Having produced a clinical first half, the Silver Ferns didn’t have things all their own way as the Proteas held them to a four-goal lead during the stanza.
South Africa’s tallest player, van der Berg, at 1.91m, was a handy contributor under the post with her availability and accuracy while van Wyk continued to provide the hustle from wing defence.
Game-day captain Karin Burger continued to be a strong presence at the defensive end for the Silver Ferns, moving to wing defence when Parris Mason came into goal defence late in the third stanza and snaring a quick intercept as the home side hit the last break well in control when leading 58-35.
South Africa continued to provide a challenge in the run home but the Silver Ferns were clearly the dominant team with Nweke providing the scoring impetus with a personal haul of 58 goals.
The second test will be played in Napier on Wednesday evening.