Quad Series: Silver Ferns prepare for much needed comeback against South Africa

The Silver Ferns are rearing for a much-needed comeback. Photo / Getty

The Silver Ferns are confident they can pull off a victory in tomorrow morning's game against the SPAR Proteas in South Africa.

The Ferns lost their opening match in the Northern Netball Quad Series last week when they were defeated by the England Roses 64-57.

Although the Ferns longest losing streak of all time looms, captain Katrina Grant assured a comeback was "absolutely" on the horizon.

"We go into every game to win at 100 percent," she told the Herald.

"When we do things the way we want to and have confidence in ourselves and each other then we can play some really good netball."

The Ferns struggled in the final moments of last week's game. Photo / Getty

The Silver Ferns most recent performance raised questions about their lack of mental strength and ability to deal with the pressure of critical moments, particularly with the Commonwealth Games fast approaching.

But Grant said, as they would with any loss, they would strive to make it a learning experience.

"If we take it as learning, it will be a good thing for Commonwealth Games because next time we go through it we will know how to react and how to deal with it," she said.

"If we don't learn from it, it will be a concern because a lot of players in our team have not been through that before."

Our mates at @TAB_Sport take a look at the numbers ahead of tomorrow's 2nd Test of the #QuadSeries against the SPAR Proteas. #RSAvNZL #SilverFans pic.twitter.com/SGyoeobeWI

— Silver Ferns (@SilverFernsNZ) January 24, 2018

Grant said they expect a tough battle from the Proteas, after South Africa showcased a strong performance against the Australian Diamonds earlier this week.

The Proteas narrowly lost to Australia 54-50 - the Diamonds smallest ever winning margin over South Africa.

"They will be full of confidence," Grant said, "They really gave Australia a run for their money the other day and they looked really fit, athletic, fast, they are playing some really good netball."

"They've got accurate shooters and defenders who just run through the ball so we've got to be completely on our game to take the match."

The Fern's starting 12 was announced earlier today with Jane Watson and Maia Wilson back on board.

Defender Phoenix Karaka will sit out tomorrow's game alongside one of the Silver Fern's youngest players, Whitney Souness.

The Silver Ferns will face the SPAR Proteas at (NZT) 6am on Friday morning.

Silver Ferns Team for the 2nd Test of the Netball Quad Series:

Katrina Grant (c)
Maria Folau (nee Tutaia) (vc)
Kayla Cullen
Temalisi Fakahokotau
Shannon Francois
Kelly Jury
Grace Kara (nee Rasmussen)
Bailey Mes
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Samantha Sinclair
Jane Watson
Maia Wilson