Australia maintained their dominance over the SPAR Proteas with a 64–53 victory, securing their 47th win over South Africa.
When comparing the two nations, the SPAR Proteas entered this clash having already played at least ten Test matches in 2025, while the Australian Diamonds were taking to court for the first time this year. Despite having met 46 times previously, Australia remain unbeaten against South Africa.
The SPAR Proteas knew they needed to deliver something special — to achieve what no South African side had done before: defeat the reigning world champions.
Head coach Jenny van Dyk has consistently emphasised that to be the best, you must play against the best — and this was exactly the challenge South Africa embraced. The Diamonds struck first, opening a three-point lead within the first few minutes, but the Proteas stayed composed and executed their game plan with patience and precision. Their resilience paid off, and by the end of the opening quarter, the scores were level at 14–14.
The Proteas displayed real character — contesting every pass, showing grit and composure, and matching the Diamonds blow for blow. However, as the second quarter began, Australia lifted their intensity, applying pressure and restricting South Africa’s scoring opportunities. At halftime, the Diamonds led 34–26.
Van Dyk made a few changes heading into the third quarter, introducing Owethu Ngubane and Sanmarie Visser for Khanyisa Chawane and Shadine van der Merwe. South Africa showed renewed determination, working hard to close the gap, before van der Merwe was reintroduced midway through the quarter. The Proteas netted 15 goals to Australia’s 16, leaving the score 50–41 after 45 minutes.
With Tarle Mathe showing signs of fatigue, Refiloe Nketsa was brought on at centre to bolster the midcourt. Despite South Africa’s continued fight, Australia maintained control, extending their lead to secure a 64–53 win in the opening match.
Reflecting on the game, head coach Jenny van Dyk said:
“To be honest, it wasn’t a bad game for us as South Africa. Taking on the best in the world is never easy, but we did it. Our first quarter was strong — what went wrong came in the second. We only lost the third quarter by one goal, which shows positive progress. We know we can be competitive, and there’s definite improvement. Our goal for the next match is not just to compete — it’s to win.”
Quarter Score Breakdown
Quarter | SPAR Proteas | Aussie Diamonds |
Q1 | 14 | 14 |
Q2 | 26 | 34 |
Q3 | 41 | 50 |
Q4 | 53 | 64 |
SPAR Proteas Starting VII
GS – Elmere van der Berg
GA – Kamogelo Maseko
WA – Khanyisa Chawane (C)
C – Tarle Mathe
WD – Shadine van der Merwe
GD – Jamie van Wyk
GK – Nicola Smith
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