Diamonds eye England in World Cup warm-up

As World Cup preparation goes, it doesn't get much better for Australian coach Lisa Alexander than a Quad Series capped by a showdown with their confident new arch rivals, England.

The Diamonds open their campaign against fifth-ranked South Africa on Monday (AEDT) in Liverpool, the venue for the World Cup in mid-July.

They must then wait nearly a week before back-to-back Tests against New Zealand and England in London, the sort of rapid-fire climax they can expect when their world title goes on the line.

While Alexander is reluctant to look past the Proteas and the challenge of a much-changed Silver Ferns line-up, it's the finale against the Roses which looms as the most significant fixture as they chase a third straight Quad Series crown.

England stunned them in last year's Commonwealth Games final and while Australia extracted some revenge with a 52-47 win in Newcastle in September, Alexander says the players still have an itch to scratch.

Beating England on their home court would send a message of intent to the world No.2 ranked team on multiple fronts, she told AAP.

Australia are in the middle of their off-season while many of England's players are involved in their domestic league, as well as having played a recent series against Uganda and undergone a national training camp.

The English are also at close to full strength, with key shooter Jo Harten having been cleared of injury.

"Harten is there and we're really excited about that because we want to be able to play England at their strongest," Alexander said.

"They definitely have an advantage. They're much more netball-ready than we are at this stage."

Asked if World Cup bragging rights will be at stake at London's Copper Box next week, Alexander was unequivocal.

"Definitely, absolutely. So it's up to us to make sure we don't allow that to happen. We have to be at our best and that's what we've got to produce."

Alexander will get a chance to see the Roses in action immediately after their Test against South Africa, when the hosts face New Zealand.

The Norma Plummer-coached Proteas have never beaten Australia in 38 attempts.

A near-full strength South Africa are coming off victory last week in the Diamond Challenge tournament they hosted, beating a series of African nations by at least 20 goals in all five games.