The Aussies will now face their fiercest rivals, New Zealand, in Sunday’s gold medal showdown after the Kiwis edged England 50–48 in a nail-biting opener. South Africa will instead contest the bronze medal play-off against England.

Despite posting a better goal difference in the group stages, the Baby Proteas went into the clash as underdogs and knew they would need a flawless performance to topple the powerhouse Australians. But from the first whistle, the Aussies stamped their authority on the game. 

Their relentless pressure forced South Africa out of rhythm, with long, risky passes playing right into Australian hands. By the first break, the Baby Proteas were already trailing 19–9.

The second quarter brought more of the same. Although South Africa began to settle midway through, the damage had been done, and they could only manage eight goals to Australia’s 15, leaving the scoreboard heavily in the opposition’s favour at half-time.

Giada Prinsloo. Photo: Netball World Cup

Head coach Precious Mthembu rang the changes at the start of the “championship quarter” in search of a spark, but Australia continued to dominate, stretching their lead to 48–21 after 45 minutes.

In the final quarter, the Baby Proteas were pinned in their own half and restricted to their lowest scoring return of the tournament. Australia, meanwhile, kept the scoreboard ticking to confirm an all-Australasian final.

Reflecting on the defeat, Mthembu admitted it was a tough lesson for her young side.

“We really tested ourselves tonight. It was interesting to see where we stood at this level. We lost too many passes in transition, and when we did win turnover ball, we couldn’t convert. Against a team like Australia, you get punished for those errors.”

Luca Keun. Photo: Netball World Cup

“It’s impossible to play catch-up against them. Now we need to put this behind us, learn from it, and give everything in our bronze medal match against England. A podium finish is still within our reach.”

Sunday’s bronze medal final between South Africa and England will be played at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg