IN the first game of the semi-finals Australia takes on South Africa. Both countries have been in ripping form with the Diamonds going into the match-up undefeated, while the SPAR Proteas suffered their first loss of the World Cup against England in their previous game.

There is no shortage of firepower across the court for both sides with skills aplenty and experience a key factor for both the Diamonds and Proteas. The shooting end for South Africa is potent with the likes of Lenize Potgieter owning the goal shooter bib and putting her skills to the test with her impressive accuracy, composure and high volume of shots. The quick release on the shot does not allow time for defenders to get into position making her a crucial cog in the Proteas attack end. Potgieter’s versatile game style is also imperative able to switch between a holding shooter and a moving one to make her a constant threat. The addition of Sigi Burger has also worked wonders for the SPAR Proteas who have relished her attack and potency under the post while the work of Maryka Holtzhausen has also not gone unnoticed during their World Cup campaign with the goal attack doing a wealth of work to bring the ball down the court and apply her own scoreboard pressure. Through the midcourt the likes of Erin Burger and Bongi Msomi have been influential. Though they both have very different styles their intent and delivery is the same with both players working hard to hit the circle edge with precision. Msomi has stood up throughout the series with her pace and quick feet while Burger has showcased her class with ball in hand to thread the needle, use her vision to slice through opposition defence and apply strong hands over pressure. Defensively the SPAR Proteas have been on song with Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni owning the defensive third. Their strong pressure, quick feet and ever developing partnership has allowed them to pick teams apart and propel the ball back up the other end with speed. Their rebounding ability timely tips make them near on impossible to stop while the work of Shandine Van De Merwe out the front enables them to float off into space and pick off any errant passes.

Though South Africa have plenty of skilled players, Australia is no stranger to the big stage having claimed the most World Cups and going from strength to strength throughout the series so far. With a versatile midcourt, the Diamonds have plenty of options with speed and accuracy the main focal point. Wing attack Kelsey Browne has had a stellar campaign so far claiming to Player of the Match honours credit to her dynamic movement, pace and strong connection with the likes of shooting duo Steph Wood and Caitlin Bassett. Liz Watson has been crucial through the midcourt providing strong drives and attacking intent while the likes of Paige Hadley has had her moments of brilliance with clever tips and quick footwork to hit the circle edge time and time again. With the midcourt showcasing its skill the likes of Bassett, Wood, Caitlin Thwaites and Gretel Tippett have all reaped the rewards. All four shooters have made the most of their opportunities in the goal circle with accuracy and volume proving to be no problem for any shooter. Tippett’s unpredictability has caused headaches for many defenders throughout the campaign while Bassett and Thwaites have stood tall under the post. Defensively the Diamonds have a plethora of options with Courtney Bruce putting her best foot forward in each and every game. The goal keeper has showcased her strength and defensive prowess going out and hunting the ball and using her quick feet and cleanliness to attack the ball from every angle making her a real threat for the Diamonds. Sarah Klau has not taken a backwards step going hard at every contest and using her impressive lean over the shot to wreak havoc while Jo Weston and April Brandley have continued their strong form. Youngster Jamie-Lee Price has been crucial through the midcourt covering her opponent well and using her clever body positioning and footwork to gain timely tips.

With both Bruce and Potgieter in hot form it will be an exciting match-up with both players expected to go toe-to-toe while up the other end Bassett and Maweni will create plenty of interest given their aerial nature. The battle will ultimately be won in the midcourt with star players in both the shooting and defensive circles.