Both teams knew what was at stake when they sprinted from the first centre pass. Tamsin Greenway’s agility and speed fed the ball through to the slick English attacking duo of Joanne Harten and Helen Housby. South Africa attempted to break England’s momentum, especially Erin Burger in centre, but they couldn’t stop England taking the first quarter 16-8.

English Rose vice-captain, Pamela Cookey, stepped into the circle for Housby in the second quarter, while the Proteas remained unchanged.

South Africa found their rhythm in the second quarter, matching England goal-for-goal for the majority of the quarter. Karla Mostert and Adele Niemand increased the pressure on England’s attack, while Lenize Potigieter continued to demonstrate why she was one of the top goal scorers of the tournament taking the most goals of the quarter (10/11).

Harten and Cookey were unnerved, both with a perfect scoring quarter. The fast ball movement and quick thinking English centre, Jade Clark, caught the Proteas off guard and the third ranked team extended their lead to 32-21 at the end of the first half.

Tracey Neville maximised her bench at resumption, including the introduction of English skipper, Geva Mentor and Stacey Francis into the English defensive circle. Izette Lubbe was introduced into the Proteas attack to help provide momentum midcourt for the African nation.

The well-rested English players provided speed through the midcourt which was difficult for South Africa to match. They notched 3 quick points onto their score before the Spar Proteas had a chance to retaliate. Sara Bayman called injury time 5 minutes into the third quarter, breaking England’s momentum.  The quarter quickly changed direction, Potgieter having a flurry of goals, and South Africa winning the quarter 15-14, taking the total score to 46-36.

Both nations pushed all the way through the final quarter, Harten matching the goals scored of the competition’s second best, Potgieter. However, it was the flurry of goals from Housby in the game’s final few minutes that sealed the convincing 62-46 victory for England.

The Roses will come face to face with the unbeaten New Zealand Silver Fern’s in tomorrow’s Semi-Final show down.

- Netball World Cup