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The South African Proteas displayed strong resolve in the initial phases of their final Test match against the Australian Diamonds in Adelaide, yet the home team’s accuracy and strength ultimately proved overwhelming, leading to a 65-42 defeat for South Africa. This outcome confirmed a 3-0 sweep for the world champions.

Fighting start, harsh finish

South Africa started with purpose, matching Australia goal for goal and pushing the Diamonds onto the defensive. The Proteas’ strong defense and rapid counterattacks disrupted the home team’s flow for much of the first quarter.

Nevertheless, in the last three minutes, the Diamonds changed their approach, netting seven consecutive goals to secure the first quarter with a score of 20-11.

Van Dyk: ‘A significant educational opportunity’

The head coach of the Proteas, Jenny van Dyk, commended her team’s performance but acknowledged that the difference in skill was evident.

Initially, we want to commend Australia for their outstanding performance. Returning to our own efforts, I feel there were instances where we were performing well and executing great attacks – however, there is still a significant amount of work ahead of us, and we have much more to accomplish.

Aussies pull away

The second quarter maintained a comparable trend. The Proteas displayed moments of speed and ingenuity, with Van Dyk bringing on Owethu Ngubane in place of Kamogelo Masego and debutant Juanita van Tonder taking over from Nicola Smith in goal. However, Australia’s calmness and expertise proved decisive as they increased their advantage, winning the quarter 19-9 and entering halftime leading 39-20.

Van Dyk introduced further changes following the break, introducing Rolene Streutker and Refiloe Nketsa. The modifications generated fresh enthusiasm, and the Proteas managed to win the third quarter 12-10 — a slight yet significant achievement in a challenging match.

Diamonds seal the sweep

In the last quarter, the Diamonds regained control, scoring 16-10 against the Proteas to secure a clear 65-42 victory. Although the difference was significant, South Africa’s determination and occasional brilliance offered encouraging signs as they head back home to concentrate on future growth.

The South African coach mentioned that their main focus is to return to the drawing board, and determine ways to avoid such an occurrence in the future.

We are excited to return home and begin focusing on areas that require improvement. Many of the areas we have identified need significant effort and are not quick solutions; this is something we must address and instill in our players. We have gained valuable insights into our players, their strengths, how they adapt, and how we should manage them.

“This series was a significant revelation for us, a major educational opportunity, and also a valuable challenge,” Van Dyk stated.

The South African team departs Australia without a victory but gains important insights — and the confidence that development, although slow, is definitely progressing.

Quarter Score Breakdown

Q1:SPAR Proteas 11-20 Australian Diamonds

Q2:SPAR Proteas 20-39 Aussie Diamonds

Q3:SPAR Proteas 32-49 Aussie Diamonds

Q4:SPAR Proteas 42-65 Aussie Diamonds