After defeat to Jamaica yesterday, the Vitality Roses missed out on a place in today’s final but came through a tough test against South-Africa 65-63 to seal the third spot.

Having taken on three of the world’s best nations in separate cities around the country, England were beaten by both finalists, New Zealand and Jamaica, but have now beaten South Africa for the second time this week, this time at a sold-out Copper Box Arena. 

Clinical shooting from Eleanor Cardwell and George Fisher ensure England made the perfect start before South-Africa disrupted this momentum by bringing on their captain Bongiwe Msomi.

The SPAR Proteas came to life in the second-half, reducing England’s lead to just one point by the end of the third-quarter. With just five minutes remaining South Africa led for the first-time in the match, before crucial interceptions from Quashie and composed finishing from Cardwell tipped a tight-match in England’s favour.

New Zealand will contest Jamaica in the final of the competition, with the silver ferns heavily tipped to come out victorious having beaten all three nations on their way to the final. The side is currently ranked second in the INF World Rankings behind Australia, with England in third. 

The Starting teams for England’s game against South Africa were as follows:

England starting seven: George Fisher (GS), Eleanor Cardwell (GA), Nat Haythornthwaite (WA), Amy Carter (C), Jade Clarke (WD), Stacey Francis (GD), Razia Quashie (GK)

South Africa starting seven: Lenize Potgieter (GS), Lefébre Rademan (GA), Izette Griesel (WA), Khanyisa Chawane (C), Shadine Van der Merwe (WD), Karla Pretorius (GD), Phumza Maweni (GK)