Unmissable battles: South Africa Series

By Stephanie Smarrelli

The Origin Diamonds are preparing to go head-to-head with South Africa for the first time in two years. 

The last time they met the Diamonds completed a clean sweep, but the Proteas will be keen to strike back. 

Here’s some of the exciting head-to-head match ups to keep an eye out for throughout the series. 
 

Sarah Klau vs Elmeré van der Berg  
 
South African goal shooter Elmeré van der Berg has made quite the impression in 2025. 

She dominated the UK Super League topping the shooting stats before putting pen to paper with the Adelaide Thunderbirds for 2026. 

The 191cm shooter slotted 496 goals for the Manchester Thunder this year at 87 per cent accuracy including 83 Super Shots. 

When she lines up against the Origin Diamonds, Aussie fans will get a sneak peak of what’s to come next year. 

But the goaler will have to contend with the defensive prowess of Sarah Klau. 
 
The 31-year-old is heading into the South Africa Series off the back of a monster SSN season. 

Klau finished second in the league for intercepts (23) and deflections (68). 
 
There’s nothing Klau loves more than hunting the ball, her fast footwork will put pressure on van der Berg to hold strong and make moves in the goal circle.  

This will be one contest you won’t want to take your eyes off.  
 

Kiera Austin vs Sanmarie Visser 

Rising star Sanmarie Visser is likely to have the tough challenge of going toe-to-toe with Kiera Austin. 

Visser got a taste of Austin’s skills throughout the 2025 SSN season so will know what to expect when she lines up against the 28-year-old.  

Austin finished the year in stellar form with an MVP performance in the SSN Grand Final, scoring 23 goals at 85 per cent accuracy and tallying 34 feeds. 
 
The last time the two met, it was a thrilling battle in the Minor Semi Final. 

Visser put on a strong display during the last quarter and while she may not have won any ball back, she prevented Austin from dominating the final term. 

Austin slot just one goal for the quarter, with the scoring load forced entirely onto her partner in crime Sophie Garbin.  

Visser will take some confidence from the final quarter of her season when she lines up on Austin again.  
 
But Austin’s agility and connection with Garbin will be hard to halt cross an entire match setting up a challenge for Visser and her teammates. 
 

Kate Moloney vs Refiloe Nketsa  
 
This stage is set for a battle of the midcourt maestros Kate Moloney and Refiloe Nketsa.  
Both players have composure and leadership skills in spades and are willing to put their body on the line to win possession. 

They both head into the series in stellar form, with Moloney finishing the SSN season with 414 feeds, 209 goal assists and a premiership medal. 

While Nketsa was named South Africa’s Telkom Netball League’s Best Midcourter in Division 1 for 2025. 

A force to be reckoned with, Nketsa will pose an unknown for Moloney should they come face to face having never come up against each other before.  

But don’t expect that to phase the experienced Diamond.  
 
Aussie fans can tune in to the South Africa Series on Kayo Freebies, Foxtel and BINGE. 

But don’t stress if you’re overseas, international fans can watch on Netball Pass or Inverleigh's Unbeaten.