New Zealand continued their dominance over the Proteas as they recorded their 38th win with a 70-58 in the history of the two teams. They take a 2-0 lead in a three-match series with one more game left.
The Proteas came into the second international against the Silver Ferns wounded following their defeat in the first match. Coach Jenny van Dyk made a couple of changes in her starting seven with the inclusion Elmere van der Berg, Tarle Mathe and Jamie van Wyk from the team that started the opening match.
South Africa used their speed and quick passes to their advantage; the visitor enjoyed a two-point lead first before New Zealand could reply. The game plan from Proteas seemed to be yielding the desired results as they took control of the quarter, however Silver Ferns clawed their way back into the game, but time wasn’t on their side as Proteas took the first quarter 15-14. This was the first time in ten tests that New Zealand lost a first quarter.
Silver Ferns kept their momentum in the second quarter and displayed their experience as they were very quick to get off the mark in an attempt to recover and get back in the game. The Proteas held their own as well and pushed as much as they could however it was Silver Ferns who clinched the quarter 20-13 and go into half time leading 34-28.
Championship quarter came with a few tired legs, Van Dyk made a few changes and brought in fresh legs and rotated her team slightly. At the end of the quarter, it was Silver Ferns that who enjoyed an assailable lead of 53-42 overall. IN the last quarter, Proteas players knew that they had to throw everything at New Zealand to try and regain the lead and try salvage a win and sadly this wasn’t meant to be as the Silver Ferns won 70-58.
