Australia Defeat South Africa, Advances Netball World Cup final

Australia reached their fourth successive Netball World Cup final after edging a 55-53 win against South Africa in Liverpool.

The 11-time winners squandered an eight-goal half-time lead as the Proteas stormed back to within one with four minutes remaining.

But the Diamonds held on to reach Sunday’s gold-medal match.

Australia now play either England or New Zealand, who contest the second semi-final at 15:00 BST.

Having sailed through the first five matches of the group stages, Australia only just came through their match against with trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand by a single goal to set up a meeting with South Africa.

As the world’s best side, they were firm favourites to progress against a team ranked five places below them on Saturday.

The Proteas were well beaten by England in their last group match but put in a spirited performance, particularly in the second half.

Ultimately, though, the inexperience of playing in their first semi-final was exposed by Australia and the occasion was a step too far for Norma Plummer’s side, who will now aim to win the bronze-medal match on Sunday (14:30)

More to follow.

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