Writers: Jenny Sinclair, Ian Harkin, Katrina Nissen
Photographers: Shaun Sharp, May Bailey, Hannah Howard
Cover Image: Hannah Howard
Australia claimed a 3-0 series victory over South Africa, stretching their unbeaten record against the Proteas in test matches to 49-0. The Diamonds won 10 of the 12 quarters during the series as they ran out comfortable winners by margins of 11, 27, and 23 goals. In a good hit out ahead of the upcoming Constellation Cup, all 15 members of the Australian squad got court time, including four players who made their test debuts.
South Africa also had one debutante and some good performances. They started strongly with a solid effort in the first test, but perhaps the run of tough back-to-back matches against the world’s top two ranked nations began to take its toll towards the end of the series. They will go home now without a victory, but surely many valuable lessons learnt on this tour.
Player of the Series: Alice Teague-Neeld (Australia)
Alice Teague-Neeld made her debut in Test 1, and won Player of the Series. Image: May Bailey-Ireland | Clusterpix
Milestones:
In the first test, captain Liz Watson became the most capped Australian midcourter with 92.
Also in the first test, Stacey Marinkovich moved into fifth place on the number of matches coached for Australia.
Debutantes:
Test 1: Alice Teague-Neeld (Australia)
Test 3: Hannah Mundy, Lucy Austin & Ash Ervin (Australia), Juanita van Tonder (South Africa)
Liz Watson and Shadine van der Merwe get hands on the ball. Watson became Australia’s most capped midcourter. Image: Shaun Sharp/Sporting Moments by Shaun
TEST 1 – Bendigo
Australia 64 def South Africa 53 (14-14, 20-12, 16-15, 14-12)
Playing their first test in 11 months, the Diamonds came away with what was ultimately a comfortable win. But not before the Proteas had shown just how much potential they have in their game, and how much improvement they’ve made. For the majority of the match, this was a very even contest, borne out by margins of zero, one, and two goals in the first, third, and fourth quarters. It was the second quarter where the damage was done, as Australia upped its game and South Africa struggled to stay in touch. After a drawn first quarter, the Diamonds scored the first four goals of the second, and that set the tone for the decisive period of the match. To the Proteas’ credit, despite the second quarter disappointment, they came out firing after half time and performed strongly in the second half.
For Australia, the starting seven all played well, but every member of the team was given court time, including Alice Teague-Neeld, who became Diamond #194 late in the second quarter. She had a solid debut with 12 assists in 33 minutes. Courtney Bruce was a star in defence with seven gains, six of those coming in the first half. Meanwhile, Matilda Garrett only played the final 20 minutes, but came up with four gains when the Proteas were trying to mount a comeback. For South Africa, goal shooter Elmere van der Berg continued her strong form from the Taini Jamison series (37/42 and six rebounds), while Nicola Smith (four intercepts and seven deflections) and Jamie van Wyk were a constant menace in the Australian goal circle.
Player of the Match: Courtney Bruce (Australia)
Former Proteas coach Norma Plummer catches up with Elmere van der Berg. Image: Shaun Sharp/Sporting Moments by Shaun
Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane and Jo Weston battle for the ball. Weston won MVP in Test 2. Image: Shaun Sharp/Sporting Moments by Shaun
TEST 2 – Wollongong
Australia 67 def South Africa 40 (18-11, 14-11, 18-8, 17-10)
Australia wrapped up the series with a commanding win against a South African team guilty of making too many unforced errors. The Proteas gave up 11 turnovers in the first quarter, and finished on 37, converting only 56% of their centre passes for the match. They struggled from the start and were down 9-3 after seven minutes. Try as they might, they never recovered from that poor start, with Australia’s lead growing as the game wore on. The Diamonds themselves weren’t perfect, on several occasions winning ball but then giving it straight back to the opposition. All 24 players saw court time and several different combinations were used by both coaches.
The Diamonds’ second half combination of Georgie Horjus and Sophie Garbin in the shooting circle was beautiful to watch. Horjus provided a real spark in the attack end and the two of them shot at 100%. Jo Weston played three quarters at wing defence and did a sterling job, taking away the player of the match. The Diamonds ran out 27 goal winners, and South Africa’s 40 goals was their lowest score against Australia since the 2018 Commonwealth Games. For the Proteas, this was a disappointing night where nothing went right in attack. In defence however, it was a different story. Nicola Smith and Sanmarie Visser combined for an incredible 16 gains in the match. That is as many as the entire team managed in their three tests against New Zealand.
Player of the Match: Jo Weston (Australia)
Sarah Klau pulled in a ripping intercept in front of Elmere van der Berg. Image: May Bailey-Ireland | Clusterpix
Matilda Garrett takes a screamer in front of Owethu Ngubane. Image: May Bailey-Ireland | Clusterpix
TEST 3 – Adelaide
Australia 65 def South Africa 42 (20-11, 19-9, 10-12, 16-10)
Australia made the bold decision to leave three of their most experienced players on the secondary bench, with captain Liz Watson, Courtney Bruce and Kiera Austin all relegated for the match. They wrapped up a 3-0 clean sweep of the series with a comprehensive win in the third test, but more exciting to the crowd was the four debutantes who stepped out on court during the game.
It was a new look line up for Australia, with Georgie Horjus (GA), Alice Teague-Neeld (WA) and Tilly Garrett (GD) all starting, and blended with experienced players around them they were impressive. The Diamonds scored a combined 39 goals across the first half, which dropped to just 26 goals for the second half once the line ups were tinkered with. Teague-Neeld in particular was impressive – finishing with 36 feeds, 2 deflections and 3 pick-ups in her 40 minutes out on court. More importantly, she brought debutant Lucy Austin (18/22) into the game, when she returned to the court after sitting out the third quarter. Hannah Mundy became part of the first mother/daughter combination to play for Australia, while Ash Ervin’s debut was sublime, finishing with 8 gains in just 30 minutes of court time, with her reach causing some issues for the Proteas.
It was the first time this series that we saw the Rolene Streutker/Elmere van der Berg combination in the shooting circle for the Proteas, and at 186 and 191 cm respectively, it should be a pairing that could trouble opponents given more court time together. Juanita van Tonder debuted at goal keeper for South Africa, and finished with a respectable 4 gains across her 37 minutes. Sanmarie Visser also worked hard to pick off a further 4 gains. However, the Proteas were let down by their team metrics, finishing with just a 57% centre pass conversion rate (Australia 80%) and a dismal 40% gain to goal rate (Australia 60%).
Player of the Match: Jamie-Lee Price (Australia)
Ash Ervin had an outstanding 8 gains in 43 minutes, as she became Diamond #197. Image: Hannah Howard/On the Ball Media
Hannah Mundy became Diamond #195, and part of the first ever mother/daughter combination to play for Australia. Image: Hannah Howard/On the Ball Media
Lucy Austin became Diamond #196, as she used her height to good advantage. Image: Hannah Howard/On the Ball Media
STRENGTHS
Diamonds
The future is looking bright for Australia, with some of the less experienced players starring in this series. Alice Teague-Neeld hadn’t played a test before this series, but she slotted straight in at wing attack, demonstrating that yes, she could indeed feed someone other than Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. And she did it brilliantly.
Georgie Horjus came into this series with just one cap, but her performance at goal attack would have pleased Stacey Marinkovich who seems to have targeted that position for her this year. Her combination with Sophie Garbin in particular had the Proteas’ defenders struggling. Ash Ervin had to wait until the final 30 minutes of the series to make her test debut, but what a 30 minutes it was. She finished with eight gains, showing that she definitely belongs at this level.
Versatility is a big strength of the Diamonds. Nearly every player in this squad plays two or more positions, which gives the coaching staff the freedom to pull changes without hesitation. And with the flexibility of players such as Jo Weston and Horjus, who can comfortably play in and out of the circle, it bodes well for Australia’s chances of building a strong, versatile and unpredictable squad heading into the Commonwealth Games.
Jamie van Wyk and Sophie Garbin were both in exceptional form for their sides. Image: Shaun Sharp/Sporting Moments by Shaun
Proteas
One result of the six tests combined in New Zealand and Australia, has been the good form of certain players consolidating their positions in the line up. In the shooting end, Elmere van der Berg has established herself as definitely the number one choice for goal shooter. When fed well, she is a solid option under the post, and an accurate shooter, no matter the distance. South Africa just needs to find a consistent shooting partner for her.
The strength of the South African team is definitely in the defence end. Over the course of this series, Nicola Smith and Sanmarie Visser in particular, have both shown great improvement, coming from New Zealand where they struggled to be effective. In the second test, Smith and Visser combined for an incredible 16 gains, including seven intercepts for Visser. When you add into the mix Jamie van Wyk and debutante Juanita van Tonder, there is a defensive lineup for the Proteas to build on.
van Wyk played consistently well in the first two tests, while van Tonder took her place in the squad when making her test debut in Adelaide. She finished with four gains in 37 minutes and was successful in disrupting the Diamonds’ attack during the third quarter, the only quarter South Africa was able to win for the series. Between these four defenders, there is really something there for coach Jenny van Dyk to work with.
Georgie Horjus trying to get the ball away over Sanmarie Visser. Both players had stellar series. Image: May Bailey-Ireland | Clusterpix
CHALLENGES
Diamonds
With the Commonwealth Games just a handful of test matches away, is it a case of too little, too late for coach Stacey Marinkovich? Will she regret not debuting some of her players in 2024? Taking new comers into a pinnacle event presents a considerable risk, but with an aging squad and a familiar-to-opponents line up that possibly shouts predictability, should she introduce some new blood into the mix?
Georgie Horjus could well force Sophie Dwyer out of the team, and much will depend on Dwyer’s ability to impact during the Constellation Cup. Paige Hadley’s pregnancy opens the door for a midcourter – at first glance Alice Teague-Neeld looks the most viable replacement. She offers a completely different and exciting change up to Liz Watson, with Hannah Mundy perhaps a little too similar to Watson in her court craft. However, Teague-Neeld won’t have the opportunity to be seen against New Zealand, while Mundy has youth on her side, and so could be a better long term option.
Ash Ervin also has to be considered, with Sarah Klau the goal keeper more likely at risk than Courtney Bruce. Tilly Garrett and Lucy Austin also put their hands up, but at the moment have stalwarts of the side sitting in front of them. While Cara Koenen struggled across the series, she’s a proven match winner and would be hard to displace. Sunday Aryang looks to be a lock after a stellar domestic season, while Jo Weston should be the same if her previous calf injuries don’t return to plague her.
Courtney Bruce was back to her best with an MVP in Test 1. Image: Shaun Sharp/Sporting Moments by Shaun
Proteas
Consistency was a major issue for the Proteas, highlighted by the significant error rate made by their midcourters. Of their 82 turnovers across the three tests, half of them were made by the midcourt. There’s mostly several variables at play, including lack of match play against the close checking style of Australia, the quality of the opposition forcing them into error, general inexperience, and conditioning – it’s been a long tour. However, the Proteas will be far better for knowing what it’s like to play out a sixty minute long match at such intensity.
Captain Khanyisa Chawane looked below her usual brilliant best, perhaps courtesy of what looked to be a shoulder subluxation sustained against New Zealand. And with her unable to play out full matches, shooter Kamegelo Maseko was a make shift wing attack. Maseko, Tarle Mathe and Refiloe Nketsa all had patches of brilliance, but have just 20 to 30 caps each, mostly against lesser ranked opposition. Expect them all to show marked improvement come Commonwealth Games time.
The Proteas desperately need to improve their team conversion statistics. Their centre pass conversion rate was 67, 56 and 57% across the series, while their gain conversion dipped as low as 26% in test 2, 40% in test 3 and a far more respectable 86% in the first test. Their defence has the ability to win ball, but far too often their side was unable to convert at the other end of the court.
Kamegelo Maseko looks to thread the needle around the long arms of Jo Weston. Image: May Bailey-Ireland/Clusterpix
The 1995 World Cup team reunite at the Adelaide test match. Image: Hannah Howard/On the Ball Media
SERIES STATS
Scoring
One trend was noticeable during the series, and it also was a factor in the recent series in New Zealand. Other than Elmere van der Berg, the South African shooters had a problem with accuracy. van der Berg was the only Proteas shooter to get into the 80%+ range, while four of the five Australians did so. Meanwhile, in the Diamonds’ lineup, it’s noteworthy that Georgie Horjus missed just one shot during the series. She actually scored with her first 23 attempts at test level.
Diamonds
Garbin 86/92 (93%)
Koenen 35/45 (78%)
K Austin 29/36 (81%)
Horjus 28/29 (97%)
L Austin 18/22 (82%)
TOTAL 196/224 (88%)
Proteas
van der Berg 80/92 (87%)
Streutker 24/33 (73%)
Maseko 15/19 (79%)
Ngubane 12/18 (67%)
Breedt 4/8 (50%)
TOTAL 135/170 (79%)
As you can see, there was a total of 61 goals between the teams over the course of the series, and it’s outlined in these conversion stats, starting with the Centre Pass To Goal Rate for the two teams. During the course of the series, both teams had 167 centre passes and Australia converted 25 more of theirs for a solid 75%. By comparison, 61% for South Africa is below what is needed at this level. Goals from gains and turnovers also favoured the Australians greatly. This was largely down to the high turnover rate from South Africa of 82 over three tests.
Centre Pass to Goal:
Diamonds 126/167 (75%)
Proteas 101/167 (61%)
Gains to Goal:
Diamonds 37/55 (67%)
Proteas 17/41 (41%)
Turnover to Goal:
Diamonds 33/46 (72%)
Proteas 17/29 (58%)
Other stats
Now, to look at the other stats categories, to see where each team was successful or not. As you would expect in a 3-0 series win, the Diamonds come out on top in most, but there were some highlights for the Proteas. The gains category is interesting. Although, Australia finished on top, South Africa’s total of 41 was a huge improvement on the 16 they managed during the Taini Jamison Trophy. And they also topped the intercept stats with 25, including 11 for Sanmarie Visser. One area that often goes unnoticed is the pickups. The Diamonds almost had double the amount, and that is generally a sign of a team that’s hungry and switched on.
Assists:
Diamonds 179 (Teague-Neeld 41)
Proteas 122 (Chawane 39)
Feeds:
Diamonds 262 (Teague-Neeld 60)
Proteas 212 (Chawane 64)
Gains:
Diamonds 55 (Bruce 10)
Proteas 41 (Smith, Visser 13)
Intercepts:
Diamonds 20 (Garrett, Bruce, Price 4)
Proteas 25 (Visser 11)
Deflections:
Diamonds 57 (Weston 11)
Proteas 37 (Smith 14)
Pickups:
Diamonds 39 (Price 8)
Proteas 20 (van der Merwe 4)
Offensive Rebounds:
Diamonds 12 (Grabin 6)
Proteas 13 (van der Berg 10)
Defensive Rebounds:
Diamonds 10 (Ervin, Klau 4)
Proteas 6 (Smith 4)
Penalties:
Diamonds 137 (Bruce 23)
Proteas 151 (Visser 37)
General Play Turnovers:
Diamonds 59 (Moloney 8)
Proteas 82 (Maseko 17)
The Proteas post match prayer circle. Image: Shaun Sharp/Moments by Shaun
