Proteas netball team look ahead after being swept aside by Australia

South Africa are already looking ahead to their next campaign, according to head coach Norma Plummer, after being handed a whitewash defeat by world champions Australia in their three-match Test series which ended on Tuesday.

Competing for the first time since they finished sixth at the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in August, the Proteas were completely outplayed by their hosts.

The Diamonds, who earned their 12th global title in the Mother City, secured a 62-42 victory in Cairns last week before coasting to a 67-52 triumph in Hobart.

Showing their depth in the final match of the series, Australia made six changes to their team in Hobart yesterday, and they were even more dominant, charging to a 77-50 win.

‘Very patchy’

Following the convincing defeat, Plummer admitted the SA side had been below par, but heading into the last game trailing 2-0, she had tried to experiment with combinations in anticipation for their next Test series.

“We were very patchy in some parts of the game, and I think it was the tired legs that we had. We did the best that we could,” Plummer said.

“It was also important for us to give the young ones a good run. The series is over and we are already preparing for England.”

Plummer, who coached her native Australia to world titles in 2007 and 2011, said during the three-match series that she was pleased with the all-round effort produced by the Proteas players.

“I think we did very well, considering that we did not have any games since the World Cup,” she said.

“The players stepped up and did exceptionally well. I am not disappointed at all; I am impressed with how everyone raised their hands.”