Diamonds in Quad Series win over Proteas

Coach Lisa Alexander admitted South Africa are no longer intimidated by Australia after the Diamonds' narrowest netball Test win over the Proteas in 50 years.

The Diamonds were given a scare in Wednesday night's 58-52 victory in Canberra, the South Africans making life difficult for the hosts in a hard-fought contest.

While Australia remains unbeaten against South Africa in 35 encounters, the six-goal margin equalled the tightest Test between the two nations since 1967.

Alexander said the inaugural Super Netball season had helped bridge the gap, with Sunshine Coast Lightning premiership hero Karla Mostert and Queensland Firebirds midcourter Erin Burger both making their presence felt throughout the match.

"The players learn that who they're playing against here are human beings," Alexander said.

"It's not quite as intimidating as what it was in the past when South Africa or Malawi or anyone else played against the Australian team.

"You can actually beat a team before they get on the court. We know that and realise that and that's why we'll keep this in perspective."

Shooter Caitlin Thwaites was outstanding for the home side, netting 30 goals at 91 per cent in the first three quarters before skipper Caitlin Bassett replaced her in the final term.

The Diamonds six-goal victory came after New Zealand were upset by England, meaning Australia will clinch the series with victory over the Silver Ferns in Invercargill on Saturday night.

After going into halftime with the scores level at 27-all, Australia took control of the match in the third quarter, grabbing a five-goal lead at the six-minute mark of the term.

With Bassett asserting control in attack, the Diamonds pulled away in the final quarter despite a determined South African outfit proving they can push the World No.1s.

Proteas mentor and former Diamonds coach Norma Plummer was delighted with her side's performance.

"Australia used to beat them by 55 goals - that's not happening now," Plummer said.

"It was 16 last time and we've dropped it again. They're in there and handling the physicality and matching it."

Australia got out to an early lead, netting the first four goals of the match before South Africa hit back to shave the margin to three at quarter-time.

The Proteas came out firing in the second term, and a five-goal run midway through the quarter allowed them to open up a two-goal advantage.

Alexander looked to her bench, with goal attack Gretel Tippett replacing Tegan Philip and it didn't take long for the former WNBL rookie of the year to make an impact.

She unleashed her trademark lay-up as Australia eroded the Proteas advantage.