Diamonds eye future in SAfrica Quad clash

Defender Emily Mannix could be Australia's latest debutante, as the Diamonds use the Quad Series to blood new talent ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games.

The Melbourne Vixens rising star will become the 173rd woman to represent Australia if she gets on to the court in Wednesday night's netball Test against South Africa in Canberra.

Mannix, 23, was called up to the squad to replace defensive mainstay Sharni Layton who withdrew from the tournament due to exhaustion.

She's one of a number of new faces gaining exposure during the series, with half of the Diamonds' team having played less than 15 Tests.

Goalkeeper Courtney Bruce made a dream debut on Saturday night, named MVP in Australia's 54-50 victory over England in Brisbane.

"In her very first game for Australia and racking up an MVP if you don't mind," Diamonds goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites said.

"It's awesome to see people take their opportunities and it just adds to the depth we've got."

Centre Kim Ravaillion is hopeful Mannix will get an opportunity against the Proteas.

"There are a few new faces in the team and it is a chance to form combinations and connections and really solidify them before the Comm Games," Ravaillion said.

"It would be awesome to see a few new faces out on the court so hopefully Wednesday night you'll see a couple of newbies take the court."

South Africa have lost to Australia all 34 times the two nations have met, with an average margin of 21 goals.

They'll be out to prove a point after pushing New Zealand in an eight-goal loss on Saturday, with their last outing against Australia a 62-46 defeat in Durban in January.

"It's really good to see how much they've improved since January," Kavaillion said.

Proteas defender Karla Mostert, who was named MVP in Sunshine Coast's Super Netball title triumph, and Queensland Firebirds midcourter Erin Burger are among South Africa's stars with a season in Australia's domestic competition under their belt.

"I think they've taken a lot of knowledge from what they've learnt this year and they've put that into their South African team," Ravaillion said.

AUSTRALIA V SOUTH AFRICA

* Head to head overall: Played 34 - Australia 34, England 0

* Head to head in Australia: Played 19 - Australia 19, England 0

* Australia have an average winning margin of 21 goals against South Africa