The Silver Ferns continued their dominance over the Spar Proteas with a commanding 77–51 win to lead the three-test series 1-0, at the Eventfinda Stadium, in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sunday, 21 September 2025.
This result marks the home team’s 37th victory in the 39 clashes between the two nations.
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. South Africa’s attacking duo of Rolene Streutker and Kamogelo Maseko struggled to find rhythm early, combining for just eight goals from 15 attempts.
Head Coach Jenny van Dyk introduced Elmeré van der Berg in the second quarter, and she made an immediate impact, but New Zealand maintained their stranglehold, dominating the quarter 21–14 to lead comfortably at halftime by 19 goals at 41-22.
In the third quarter, van Dyk turned to her bench, bringing in Tarle Mathe, Nichole Breedt and Jamie van Wyk to inject fresh energy. Midway through, the Proteas suffered a blow when captain Khanyisa Chawane was forced off with injury, with Maseko returning to the court. The Silver Ferns capitalised, taking the championship quarter 17–13 and extending their lead to 58–35.
South Africa continued to battle in the final quarter, showing glimpses of resilience, but the Silver Ferns’ composure, speed and clinical finishing saw them close out a 77–51 victory.
Coach Jenny van Dyk reflected: “We are obviously disappointed with the results, this is not how we 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 to start our international campaign.”
Spar Proteas Head Coach, Jenny van Dyk
“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,” said Van Dyk. “We have a lot of work to do before the next match, and that is what we are going to do.”
The second test match will be played on Wednesday 24 September at 09h40 and will be on SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209).
2025 Taimi Janison Trophy Fixtures and Results
Sun, 21 Sep: New Zealand 77-51 South Africa (Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland)
Wed, 24 Sep – 09:40: Second Test – New Zealand v South Africa (Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier)
Sun, 28 Sep – 09:40: Third Test – New Zealand v South Africa (ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill)
First Test Quarter Score Breakdown
Q1: South Africa 8-20 Silver Ferns
Q2: South Africa 22-41 Silver Ferns
Q3: South Africa 35-58 Silver Ferns
Q4: South Africa 51-77 Silver Ferns
Shooting Stats
Elmeré van der Berg 35/42 (83.3%)
Nichole Breedt 2/3 (66.7%)
Kamogelo Maseko 7/11 (63.6%)
Rolene Streutker 7/12 (58.3%)
Spar Proteas Starting VII for the First 2025 Taimi Janison Trophy Test Match
GS – Rolene Streutker
GA – Kamogelo Maseko
WA – Khanyisa Chawane (c)
C – Refiloe Nketsa
WD – Shadine van der Merwe
GD – Sanmarie Visser
GK – Nicola Smith
Original Copy: Netball SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: South Africa lineup for the national anthem ahead of the first international test against New Zealand. A dominant Silver Ferns beat the Spar Proteas 77-51 to lead the three-test series 1-0 at the Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sunday, 21 September 2025. All Photos: Netball New Zealand
Photo 2 Caption: Wing Defence Jamie van Wyk pictured in action. The second test will be played on Wednesday in Napier, with the final test in Invercargill on Sunday.
