The world’s second-ranked and fifth-ranked sides will face off in a three-Test series for the Taini Jamison Trophy.

The last time the two nations met was at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, where they played to a thrilling 48-48 draw.

Jenny van Dyk and assistant coach Zanele Mdodana - Netball SA

This time around, the Proteas have a very different-looking team, with several players set to face the Silver Ferns for the first time. Meanwhile, the New Zealand camp has been thrown into disarray after head coach Dame Noeline Taurua and her assistants, Debbie Fuller and Briony Akle, were fired just days before the series.

Despite the drama in the Ferns camp, Proteas coach Jenny van Dyk stressed that her team must not be distracted by the “white noise” and should keep their focus on the job at hand.

“We will not allow the news from the Silver Ferns to make us relax because this could go either way – the team might be stronger and want to prove that they can do it without their long-serving coach, or they could fall apart,” said Van Dyk.

“Regardless of what they do, it’s important for us to stick to our game plan and execute it properly. We’ve assembled a team we believe is good enough to compete. Ours is to make sure we show up, are prepared, and perform.”

Sunday’s Test will be the 39th meeting between the two nations. The Silver Ferns have dominated the rivalry, winning 36 of the previous 38 encounters.

Van Dyk admitted the Proteas are underdogs but insisted there’s no reason they can’t push for victory.

“We are seen as underdogs, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim for a win,” she said.

 “We approach every game with the seriousness it deserves, and we always play to win. The most pressure is on the hosts because they’re at home and want to please their fans – but we also need to step up.”

The first Test of the series at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland is scheduled to start at 9:40.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport