DAY 2 of the Nations Cup is set to be a big one at Arena Birmingham, seeing Day 1 winners Jamaica and New Zealand try to go two from two, while England take on South Africa. Only one side will be left undefeated heading into the third match and ‘finals’ series over the weekend.

Jamaica vs. New Zealand

An interesting battle will ensue, with both teams reigning supreme on Day 1 though New Zealand ultimately are the favourites after a complete domination over England. Jamaica may have only beaten South Africa by five goals, but will be raring to go with a wealth of talent and experience against the Ferns. With a late injury to Jamaica’s Shamera Sterling on Day 1, the Sunshine Girls will be hoping the day off has an impact given her impressive form and stellar reach against South Africa which ultimately closed out the win. With a handy rotation of viable options in goals, New Zealand are sure to throw everything out there to continue on their stellar start to the tournament, with the likes of captain, Ameliaranne Ekenasio and youngster Maia Wilson both able to apply defensive pressure to turn over vital ball and find the post with ease despite the smarts of their opposition. New Zealand’s attacking defensive pressure is second to none but will be tested by the Sunshine Girls, with the Jamaican line-up featuring a number of impact players who can give the Ferns a real run for their money. If Sterling does not take the court, look to Kadie-Ann Dehaney to hold up the fort in defence, who has proved she has the smarts to get the job done when given the opportunity and making for a tough battle if she gets the nod, given New Zealand will not have loads of experience against her. Jhaniele Fowler could be a tough ask for the Ferns with her height likely to cause some upsets, though with Jane Watson and Phoenix Karaka in the defensive mix there could be a real battle for dominance in the goal circle. Watson has the aerial elevation and strong arms to make a difference, but a 17-centimetre height difference could be the coach killer in this one. Karaka is a real physical player, so will look to deny speedy shooter Shanice Bedford any access to the goal circle with her quick feed and bodywork.

England vs. South Africa

While neither side won the first match of the series, both nations could be feeling quietly confident with similar form in the lead-up. While England certainly have a better record against South Africa in recent times, they have a very young and inexperienced lineup taking the court in comparison to the Spar Proteas who are just about full strength and challenged Jamaica all the way on the first day. The Proteas also have a recent win behind them against England leading into the tournament, making for an exciting battle with plenty of impact players gracing the court. South Africa have a stacked line-up with Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni likely to start in defence once more, while a wealth of impact goalers in Lenize Potgieter, Ine-Mari Venter and Sigi Burger are sure to apply the pressure against England’s defensive unit. While England’s defence has some impressive names among it in Fran Williams, Razia Quashie, Kate Shimmin and Stacey Francis, they haven’t had a lot of time together so could get lost among the experienced teamwork of the Proteas, especially with captain Bongi Msomi leading from the front in wing attack, though Laura Malcolm is sure to give her a real run for her money with speed and tagging ability to boot. Nat Haythornthwaite will want to do the same out the front for the Roses, aided by the likes of Jade Clarke to find space in attack and work around the Proteas defensive unit. With plenty of shooting options to rotate through the circle, the real key for the Roses will be to find a strong pairing and stick to it this time around. While both sides are sure to come into this match with a fire in the belly, look to South Africa who will want to get one more over an inexperienced England side.