Diamonds ready for upset Silver Ferns in Quad Series finale

AUSTRALIA captain Caitlin Bassett says the Diamonds will be facing one of the most dangerous New Zealand sides in recent times in the finale match of the netball Quad Series on Sunday.

Gretel Tippett played a major role in the Diamond’s win over South Africa.

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AUSTRALIAN captain Caitlin Bassett says the Diamonds will be facing one of the most dangerous New Zealand sides in recent times in the finale of the netball Quad Series on Sunday.

Bassett said the Silver Ferns surprise loss to England on Wednesday will add spice to the clash in Invercargill.

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“They won’t have liked losing,” said Bassett, as she prepares to lead Australia for only the third time.

“England were stung after our game and now they (New Zealand) will be hurt after this match. It will make for great netball.’’

Gretel Tippett was sone of the top shooters for Australia in the match against South Africa. )

Australia is in the box seat to claim the Quad Series honours as the only undefeated team in the tournament after wins over both South Africa (58-52) and England (50-54).

While the Silver Ferns beat South Africa by seven goals in their series opener, they fell to England 49-45 on Wednesday, with star shooter Maria Tutaia absent on bereavement leave.

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Like New Zealand, Australia will also need to produce a better performance on Sunday to the one that saw them beat South Africa by the equal smallest margin in history — six goals in Canberra on Wednesday.

Erin Burger fights for the ball with Caitlin Bassett (centre) and Kim Ravaillion.

The Diamonds are using the Quad Series to blood players, lift the experience of others and also to test combinations ahead of the Commonwealth Games next year.

But the Diamonds form in the first half of the match, where South Africa actually lead by two, is of concern.

“We need to get as many players out there as possible,’’ Bassett said.

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“But there are definitely parts of the game we aren't happy with and need to improve.’’

But what has Bassett delighted is the fact players and fans are now witnessing the closest matches between four of the top five netball nations in the world in recent times.

Caitlin Bassett was flawless under the ring for Australia against South Africa.

“I said to the girls before the game, we need to relish this, South Africa getting better is great for us because we play well when we are challenged,” she said.

“We want to be challenged. It is fantastic to walk away from a game and think ‘wow, we were pushed and we rose above it and came out on top’.”

QUAD SERIES

SUNDAY: New Zealand Silver Ferns v Samsung Diamonds, Invercargill.

TV: NINE/9 GEM

2pm AEST