THE final round of matches for the Northern Quad Series will take place on Sunday 20 January  at London’s Copperbox Arena, with second ranked New Zealand taking on a fighting South Africa at 3:30 pm (2:30 am AEDT) and Commonwealth Games champions England taking on first ranked Australia at 6:00 pm (5:00 am AEDT).

The New Zealand Silver Ferns will take on the South Africa Spar Proteas to start round three, with both countries hoping for one more win ahead of the Netball World Cup in July. South Africa pulled out a surprise win over England in round two, beating the Roses 45 – 48 with a solid four-quarter effort and no changes throughout the game. After a tough round two match against Australia, losing 53 – 50 after a stellar second half, the Ferns will be looking to back up their good form through the centre court to shut down the Spar Proteas’ midcourters. Stopping the effectiveness of Bongi Maweni through attack will be a tough job, but with the hard work of centre court powerhouse Laura Langman the Ferns will hope to control the midcourt and movement through attack.

Silver Ferns shooters Ameliaranne Ekanasio and Maria Folau will want to hold up their shooting accuracy against the intense defensive duo of Phumza Maweni and Karla Pretorius, while Proteas wing defence Shadine Van der Merwe will be putting in the hardyards to stop the ball from getting to goals.

Though not the first time the countries have played since the memorable Commonwealth Games gold medal match, it will be the first time since that the England Roses will play the Australian Diamonds on their home soil. With the backing of a loud home crowd and home court advantage, England are sure to have a good chance of shutting down Australia’s star-studded midcourt. Despite a tough round two loss to South Africa, England will be ready to come out all guns blazing for a big match against the world number ones.

With the likes of shooter, Jo Harten back in the side after time out from injury, the Roses are stronger than ever. In comparison, the Diamonds are missing captain and dominant shooter, Caitlin Bassett. The Diamonds are fortunate to have a selection of talented goalers on the bench, but will need to solidify a consistent shooting lineup that can perform under pressure, after goal attack, Steph Wood faded out after half time of the Aussies’ round two game against the Silver Ferns. The Roses will have their work cut out for them when it comes to stopping the Diamonds moving downcourt. The Diamonds’ dynamic movement and bullet passes are their signature and can be hard to stop when they get going. Australia’s Kelsey Browne is likely to take to the court as wing attack, with her signature circle edge work sure to have an impact in the circle. Browne’s Magpies Netball teammate Geva Mentor will be in her element in goal keeper for England, while fellow Suncorp Super Netball teammates, Caitlin Thwaites, Gretel Tippett, Wood and elevated Diamonds newbie, Kiera Austin rally for selection in goals.

For the Roses to come out with a Quad Series win on home soil, they will need to beat Australia by five goals or more. It is safe to say fans will be hoping for an England win to end the competition, or at least a down to the wire game to conclude the Northern Quad Series.