The teams last met during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, where they played to a dramatic 48-all draw. This fixture was also the first time since 2018 that South Africa faced New Zealand on their home soil.
The Proteas started brightly, converting their opening centre pass to take an early lead, but the Ferns’ experience quickly showed as they surged ahead to a 20–8 advantage by the first break.
Coach Van Dyk reflected that they are disappointed with the result, as this is not how they were hoping the game would end.
“The damage was done already in the first quarter – the speed, the precision, and the momentum. We had done our homework and prepared as best as we could.
“This is not the start that we wanted, however, we will go back and regroup. This is not how we envisioned starting our international campaign. Our players now understand that there is a standard that we need to adhere to, we need to put in the work, and level up,” she said.
Van Dyk added that they have a lot of work to do before the next match, and that is what they are going to do.
The second match will be played on Wednesday, 24 September, at 9:40am and will be broadcast on SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209).