WE have seen two rounds of enthralling netball action so far in the 2023 Quad Series, but the action is far from over.

Tonight Australian time sees the last of the round robin matches, before two finals the day after.

If you missed the first two rounds:

• New Zealand blitzed South Africa after a dominant third term
• Australia came from behind to defeat England
• South Africa and England played out an exciting draw
• Australia and New Zealand fought out a tough battle that saw the Diamonds narrowly prevail

This means Australia sits on top as the only undefeated country, with New Zealand second and England and South Africa equal third, with England ahead on goal difference.

South Africa and England will be frustrated with how their tournaments have gone so far, but for very different reasons.

South Africa would not have been happy with particularly its third quarter performance against New Zealand, but would have felt like it let one slip away against England. The Proteas really had the momentum and it felt like they were going to pick up the win, but they had to settle for a draw.

Perhaps it is due to their lack of recent experience against the top sides of the world that they find themselves, but it is likely more complicated on the other hand.

England on the other hand will be annoyed it did not capitalise on their strong start against Australia, and could not get the job done against South Africa.

England are also down one shooter which is going to add to the degree of difficulty for the English, with Jo Harten returning home due to injury.

Meanwhile, things are no doubt much happier in the Silver Fern and Diamonds camps after the first two days of action.

Although New Zealand will no doubt be annoyed it could not quite finish the job against Australia, that third quarter will give the New Zealanders a lot to be pleased about.

While for Australia, it will be ecstatic that it is undefeated, but will not be happy at its starts.

It lost the first quarter to both England and New Zealand by four goals both times, so will be looking to change that against South Africa tonight.

As things stand it is looking like it will be Australia and New Zealand who will battle it out for the tournament title. Not only are they top of the table at the moment, but they have also looked the best out on court and the most settled.

However sport is a funny business and nothing should be completely counted out, and with the nature of there being only four teams in the competition, one result could make all the difference.

Round 3 Fixture

January 24 – South Africa vs Australia – 4pm local (1am January 25 AEDT)

January 24 – England vs New Zealand – 6pm local (3am January 25 AEDT)

Squads

Australia

Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Ash Brazill, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Paige Hadley, Tara Hinchliffe, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson, Steph Wood

England

Imogen Allison, Ellie Cardwell, Jade Clarke, Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, Funmi Fadoju, Layla Guscoth, Jo Harten, Alice Harvey, Helen Housby, Laura Malcolm, Elle McDonald, Geva Mentor, Natalie Metcalf, Chelsea Pitman, Olivia Tchine, Fran Williams

New Zealand

Karin Burger, Gina Crampton, Ameliaranne Ekenasio (C), Sulu Fitzpatrick, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Claire Kersten, Grace Nweke, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Whitney Souness, Peta Toeava, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson

South Africa

Lenize Potgieter, Ine-Marí Venter, Nicholé Taljaard, Nomfundo Mngomezulu, Sesandile Ngubane, Bongiwe Msomi (C), Khanyisa Chawane, Izette Griesel, Refiloe Nketsa, Boitumelo Mahloko, Phumza Maweni, Karla Pretorius, Shadine van der Merwe (VC), Zanele Vimbela, Monique Reyneke-Meyer