As it happened: Silver Ferns v South Africa

Maria Folau of the Silver Ferns. Photo / Getty

Follow live updates of the Silver Ferns' Quad Series clash with South Africa.

The Ferns lost their opening match in the 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 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.

To get things back on the right track and avoid a record-equalling sixth straight defeat, the Ferns need to beat South Africa — a team they haven't lost to since 1995.

But South Africa lost to Australia by only four goals in their opener, and by seven in their most recent meeting with New Zealand. Despite holding a 29-1 all-time record against South Africa, coach Janine Southby knows they are no longer easy beats.

"We know that we've got to be better than this [against South Africa]; I think it's been a really good wake-up call."

With the Commonwealth Games looming, those improvements need to start now.