NEW ZEALAND TOO STRONG FOR THE PROTEAS

Auckland, New Zealand - New Zealand produced an emphatic display to beat fifth seeds SPAR South Africa 86-23 in the final top eight quarter-final today. The Kiwis took full advantage of a changed South African line-up as they raced away to an impressive 24-6 lead after the first quarter to put the match well beyond the reach of the visitors.

It sets up a semi-final clash against Jamaica tomorrow evening, where the New Zealanders will be looking to continue their domination of the Caribbean nation. New Zealand has lost only once to Jamaica in 40 previous meetings – back in 2002 in Jamaica. The two teams have also had two draws in Jamaica, 1999; and in Christchurch, 1986.

New Zealand produced a clinical display of fast-flowing netball to dispose of South Africa and this pleased their coach Ruth Aitken. She was especially satisfied with the outstanding start made by the New Zealanders.

Aitken said she was pleased that they were able to bring in bench players who also stood up and would not be drawn on the likely combination to start in tomorrow’s semi-final.

It continues New Zealand’s recent dominance of the South Africans – they have only lost once in 19 previous meetings and tonight’s 63-goal difference was the biggest since their 94-25 win in the 2006 tri-series in Auckland.

South Africa decided on changes to their line-up, possibly to save something for their key ranking matches to come – but they rebounded on them today. New Zealand raced to a 24-6 lead after the first quarter, 43-12 at half time and 61-17 at three-quarter time.

Irene Van Dyk, the top-scoring and most accurate shooter at the tournament so far, continued with another accurate night, making 54 of 60 attempts, while Jodi Te Huna shot 14 of 16 shots in the first half and Maria Tutaia bagged 14 for 18 in the second half.

Casey Williams grabbed most of the 21 intercepts and was daunting at the back, while her Waikato teammate Laura Langman was an outstanding conduit in the midcourt.

South Africa found the New Zealand defence stern – managing just 35 attempts at goal in the entire match – and successful with only 23. The Proteas take on Samoa tomorrow with the winner playing off for fifth and sixth position on Saturday.

This report is distributed by BLD Communications on behalf of the SPAR Group Ltd and Netball South Africa. For further media queries please contact Marks Mokolobate on 083 891 7690 or email bldgroup@global.co.za