Big test for SA netball women

The SPAR Proteas know they have a tough task ahead, but they are all excited about playing the world number one team. 

Australia lost their preliminary round match to New Zealand on Sunday, going down 52-47.

Captain Maryke Holtzhausen said this gave South Africa confidence going into the match.

“We now know they are human and they can be beaten,” she said. “We also know that it is going to be a very tough match, but we are looking forward to putting into practice what we have learned from our coach.”

The Proteas coach, Norma Plummer, was the Australian Diamonds’ coach when they won the previous World Cup in Singapore in 2011.

“Norma knows them well, and that could help us,” said Holtzhausen.

Plummer said she was not making any promises or predictions, but she said it was important for the Proteas to test themselves against the best.

“This is the business end of the tournament, and the girls know they have to step up a gear. We have some outstanding players – (goalshooter) Lenize Potgieter is fantastic, particularly considering she is only 21, and players like Erin Burger and Bongi Msomi are outstanding.”

“We definitely want a good contest and show the world that the Proteas can compete with the best,” said defender Adele Niemand.

“Australia are on their home ground and they’re the number one in the world, but we just need to apply what we’ve learned. We’ve got nothing to lose,” added Msomi.

The match will be played at 20h20 in the evening Australian time and organisers expect the 30-thousand seater Allphones Stadium to be sold out, so the Proteas will be playing in front of one of the biggest crowds they have ever experienced.

South Africa have to beat Australia on Wednesday or England on Friday to qualify for the semi-finals on Sunday.

(File Photo: Gallo Images)

Twitter - @SportswaveAndre

Facebook - ECRSportswave