ADELAIDE – Diamonds Dominate as Proteas Fall Short in Final Test
Australia’s Diamonds completed a 3–0 clean sweep over the South African Proteas after securing a 65–42 victory in the third and final Netball Test in Adelaide on Thursday.
The world champions were in control from the outset, leading 20–11 at the first break and extending their dominance to 39–20 by half-time.
Despite a spirited fightback from the Proteas in the third quarter — where they outscored the hosts 12–10 — Australia’s class shone through in the final period to finish the series in style.
Proteas Show Fight Despite Heavy Defeat
Elmeré van der Berg, who will join the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the 2026 Super Netball season, led the Proteas’ scoring with 20 goals from 22 attempts, a standout individual performance in an otherwise tough outing.
Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane remained upbeat, saying the team will use the series loss as motivation to improve:
“Disappointment is what fuels us; it is not something that will take us down. We want to use this as motivation to move forward. It’s an exciting time for us — learning these lessons, we’ll definitely come back better.”
Diamonds Extend Dominance
The defeat means South Africa have yet to beat Australia in 49 Tests, with the Diamonds reaffirming their dominance in world netball ahead of next year’s international season.
Australia’s consistent defensive pressure and clinical attacking play once again proved too strong for the developing South African side.
