The Aussies, South Africa progress
Naledi Lemogang | Thursday July 13, 2017 11:02
Despite yesterday’s loss, South Africa joined Australia as the other qualifier from Pool B.
Both teams went into the final group stage game unbeaten, and were fighting to determine which side finished on top.
The game started at a high pace with both teams determined to take the lead. South Africa committed several mistakes giving Australia the chance to utilise stray balls and took the lead from the beginning of the first quarter until the last.
South Africa tried to defend, but their opponents did not relent back and rather scored more goals to increase their lead. South Africa lost most of their centre passes and their goal scorer (GS) missed most of the scoring opportunities.
However, Australia was solid from defence up to attack. Australia increased their lead to end the second quarter ahead 39-19.
At the beginning of the third quarter, both teams made several changes, particularly South Africa. The changes breathed life into South Africa’s play and they pulled some goals back.
South African coach, Dorette Badenhorst said the team played well even though they lost most of their balls because of the pressure.
“We were playing against the best country in the world and they pushed us to fell the pressure leading to the team making simple errors. However, we are proceeding to the quarterfinals where we are going to face one of the toughest teams in the world (New Zealand),” she said, adding that their aim is to get prepared for their next game.
Australia coach, Tania Obst said they are excited to finish on top of Pool B because their target is to go home with the cup. “The team played according to instructions because we knew that the team we faced had never lost any of their games. We are looking forward to taking the cup back from New Zealand, as it is part of our goals at these games,” she said.