Diamonds ready for netball Quad Series

The Australian Diamonds will open their campaign at the inaugural Netball Quad Series against South Africa at Vector Arena in Auckland today.

It will be the first time the two side’s meet following the qualification rounds of the Netball World Cup in Sydney last year, the Diamonds triumphing 66-31 on that occasion.

Among those named to the Aussie team at the beginning of this month were NSW Swifts players Sharni Layton, Caitlin Thwaites and Stephanie Wood.

All three were named in the side following standout ANZ Championship seasons, Thwaites and Layton playing integral roles in the Swifts challenge for the title in what will be considered one of the most electrifying finals of all time against the Queensland Firebirds.

Meanwhile Wood will make her debut for the Diamonds, her ability to enter the game and instantly make an impact providing the team with versatility. She is also expected to provide strength in the goal circle courtesy of her cool, calm and collected nature.

The message from the team ahead of the tournament is to ‘expect the unexpected’.

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said that she expected a strong challenge from a fast improving South Africa, however was confident her side have done the requisite work.

“We expect a hard-fought contest against South Africa. Their team has gone from strength to strength under Norma Plummer’s leadership,” Alexander said.

“Our Diamonds have put in the hard yards in the lead up to this series and the coaching staff are confident in our preparation.

“All 12 players will be ready to step out onto court on Saturday in numerous combinations.

“We will relish the moment when we stand arm in arm and sing our national anthem on court.”

The Diamonds hope to set up their Quad Series campaign with victory ahead of games next week against England and New Zealand.

Today’s game will commence at 1.15pm AEST at Vector Arena in New Zealand. The game will be shown on Fox Sports 2 and on the Netball Live app for subscribers.

Fast Facts

• Australia has played South Africa 32 times, winning 31 games by a margin of 11 goals or more
• Last time they played, Australia
• Australia has played at Vector Arena eight times, with a 50 per cent winning record.
• Coach Lisa Alexander will coach her 54^thAustralian Test Match, becoming the fourth most experienced Australian Netball Team coach, overtaking Wilma Shakespear.