Hamilton, New Zealand- On the eve of the SPAR Proteas playing against New Zealand (Silver Ferns) in the first of two test matches, the South African Netball team sent best wishes to the Springboks for their test against the All Blacks in Johannesburg this afternoon.
Speaking from Hamilton, New Zealand, Proteas captain Maryka Holtzhausen said that her whole team were behind the Springboks. “My team and I send all our best to the Springboks. We wish them a good game against the All Blacks and hope they do themselves and South Africa proud.”
“On Sunday it will be our turn to play New Zealand so we hope the Springboks set the standard for us.”
Unfortunately the Proteas will not be able to watch the rugby due to the time change. The test will be played at 03h00 Sunday morning New Zealand time and with the Proteas playing the Silver Ferns Sunday sleep is important. However the Proteas have arranged for a recording to be made of the rugby and they will watch it after they have played the Silver Ferns.
The SPAR Proteas are in New Zealand for two warm up tests against the world number two ranked Silver Ferns ahead of the Netball World Cup in Sydney next month. The Hamilton test Sunday will be followed by a second test in Auckland on Tuesday 28 July.
Coach Norma Plummer said that preparations for Sunday’s test were on track. “I am satisfied with the way we have prepared this week. I would dearly loved to have more time with the girls but am pleased with the way the girls have responded over the past few days. The real test will be on court Sunday.”
Both netball tests will be shown live on SuperSport on 26 and 28 July at 09:45 (South African time) on SuperSport 4 and SuperSport Select SA
SPAR Proteas team: Lenize Potgieter, Elsunet du Plessis, Lindie Lombard, Maryka Holtzhausen (captain), Bongiwe Msomi (vice-captain), Izette Lubbe, Erin Burger, Precious Mthembu, Rochelle Lawson, Karla Mostert, Adele Niemand, Phumza Maweni.