Australian Diamonds close in on Netball Quad Series clean sweep

Gretel Tippett had a personal best haul of 20 goals in her side's Quad Series win over South Africa. Her previous best was nine. Photo/PHOTOSPORT

Australia have recorded their second win of the Netball Quad Series, overwhelming South Africa 62-46 in Durban this morning.

The Diamonds made two changes to the side that started in the weekend's 57-50 over the Silver Ferns, with Caitlyn Nevins earning her first start at wing attack, while Gretel Tippett partnered Caitlin Thwaites in the shooting circle.

Despite the changes, Australia took control from the outset, leading 17-9 at the first break, with Thwaites netting her 500th international goal early on the spell.

The Proteas made three changes into the second term, with Lindie Lombard into goal attack, Precious Mthembu to wing defence and Zanele Vimbela into goal defence.

Momentum swung the way of the Proteas for some time due to the home side's frenetic style of play, to the disappointment of Diamond coach Lisa Alexander.

"We allowed their frenetic play to infect us and affect our composure at times," she said. "Our decision making went out the window - that was a little bit disappointing but it certainly points towards a few things that we need to fix for the next test against England," Alexander said.

"Too many times we were looking down at one option and putting pressure on that instead of using our swings and our double plays and our ball movement."

Though a more closely contested quarter, Australia led by 11 goals at half time.

The Diamonds pushed that lead out to 45-30 heading into the final spell as they tightened up their attacking play and began to exert more full court pressure on the home side.

The Proteas responded by finishing with their best quarter of the game, matching the Diamonds virtually goal-for-goal in a high-scoring final spell. Australia just won the final quarter 17-16.

The Quad Series now moves to England where the Roses will take on the Silver Ferns on Friday morning, before Australia and South Africa join them in London for a double header next Monday.