Australia reach Netball World Cup final after narrow victory over South Africa in semis

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20 July 2019 at 7:16 am

Australia coach Lisa Alexander denied charges of complacency after her team edged their way into the Netball World Cup final with a 55-53 win over South Africa.Four players including captain Caitlin Bassett were rested after their single-goal win over New Zealand in the group phase, and the triple defending champions almost paid a heavy price.Led by top scorer Lenize Potgieter, the South Africans, who had been brushed aside 58-47 by England on Thursday, hit back from an eight-goal half-time deficit and twice brought the game back within a single point.Alexander said: "We did not pick this team because we under-estimated South Africa at all. We picked it because we thought it matched up best on them - that's how much we respect them."Alexander paid tribute to the way her side, who also withstood a comeback against the Silver Ferns, held their nerve with goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites finishing with a perfect 30-for-30 record.She added: "In these moments it's about playing our own game and not getting caught up in all the crowd. They've got to keep their composure when the crowd is going right off."

Australia reach Netball World Cup final after narrow victory over South Africa in semis

Australia coach Lisa Alexander denied charges of complacency after her team edged their way into the Netball World Cup final with a 55-53 win over South Africa.Four players including captain Caitlin Bassett were rested after their single-goal win over New Zealand in the group phase, and the triple defending champions almost paid a heavy price.Led by top scorer Lenize Potgieter, the South Africans, who had been brushed aside 58-47 by England on Thursday, hit back from an eight-goal half-time deficit and twice brought the game back within a single point.Alexander said: "We did not pick this team because we under-estimated South Africa at all. We picked it because we thought it matched up best on them - that's how much we respect them."Alexander paid tribute to the way her side, who also withstood a comeback against the Silver Ferns, held their nerve with goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites finishing with a perfect 30-for-30 record.She added: "In these moments it's about playing our own game and not getting caught up in all the crowd. They've got to keep their composure when the crowd is going right off."

Australia coach Lisa Alexander denied charges of complacency after her team edged their way into the Netball World Cup final with a 55-53 win over South Africa.

Four players including captain Caitlin Bassett were rested after their single-goal win over New Zealand in the group phase, and the triple defending champions almost paid a heavy price.

Led by top scorer Lenize Potgieter, the South Africans, who had been brushed aside 58-47 by England on Thursday, hit back from an eight-goal half-time deficit and twice brought the game back within a single point.

Alexander said: "We did not pick this team because we under-estimated South Africa at all. We picked it because we thought it matched up best on them - that's how much we respect them."

Alexander paid tribute to the way her side, who also withstood a comeback against the Silver Ferns, held their nerve with goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites finishing with a perfect 30-for-30 record.

She added: "In these moments it's about playing our own game and not getting caught up in all the crowd. They've got to keep their composure when the crowd is going right off."