The opening Test of the 2026 SPAR Challenge marked South Africa’s first international appearance on home soil since 2024, following a demanding year touring against the world’s top four teams abroad. Back in front of their home crowd, the Proteas delivered a performance full of grit, resilience, and heart.

South Africa made a solid start, edging ahead 16–12 after the opening quarter. An outstanding defensive effort from eventual player of the match Sanmarie Visser, alongside Juanita van Tonder, laid the platform as the hosts stretched their advantage to four goals by the end of the first 15-minute period.

The Proteas continued to frustrate the Roses with disciplined defence, maintaining that four-goal cushion heading into the half-time break at 29–25. While it was a far more evenly contested second quarter – with both teams slotting 13 goals – South Africa’s strong start proved crucial.

Ngubane Owethu. Photo: Reg Caldecott

The momentum swung in the third quarter as England bounced back strongly, taking the lead for the first time in the Test. The Roses outscored the Proteas 14–9 to sneak ahead 39–38 at the end of the period. 

Head coach Jenny van Dyk made two changes at the start of the quarter, introducing Kamogelo Maseko at goal attack in place of Owethu Ngubane, while Nicola Smith, earning her 50th Test cap, replaced Van Tonder at goalkeeper. The new combinations took time to settle, allowing England to capitalise.

But the final quarter belonged to South Africa.

Roared on by the home crowd, the Proteas produced a clinical finish, outscoring their more fancied opponents 14–9 to wrestle back control and secure a famous four-goal win.

Captain Khanyisa Chawane admitted there is still work to be done as South Africa target a series-clinching victory in the second Test.

“I won’t say it was the best game we’ve ever played, but we stayed in it,” said the Free State stalwart.

Jenny van Dyk, Nicola Smith, and Zanele Mdodana. Photo: Reg Caldecott

“Our defenders worked hard to keep us in the game, and when we got opportunities, we made sure to capitalise. I’m happy that we put ourselves in a position to finish strong.

“That third quarter could have thrown us off and they could have gone on to win it, but when we saw them coming, we regrouped. Everyone who came on was on the same page, and that helped us close the game out strongly.”

The second Test between the Proteas and England takes place on Saturday at the Ellis Park Arena, with the match set to start at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs