"We did some good stuff, it might have been good to string a few more things together, but in saying that we did trial quite a few combinations so I think we have to be happy with that."
The four nations tournament was always going to be a harsh learning environment for South Africa, but coach Elize Kotze believes if her side are to improve on their world ranking of sixth, they need more regular exposure against the top tier nations.
They produced a couple of nice patches of play, but on the strength of last night's performance it is going to be a long three weeks for the Proteas, who face Australia next up in Newcastle.
After serving her apprenticeship on the bench during the recent Constellation Cup series, Mes finally got her opportunity out on court yesterday, starting at wing attack in her test debut. Mes was a shock selection in the national team having played just one quarter of ANZ Championship netball this season.
Against the spirited, but out of their depth, South African defence, it was difficult to get a gauge of the strength of Mes' performance in her 30 minutes on court. She did not do too much wrong, nor did she do anything spectacular.
With Taumaunu wanting to test out new options in the midcourt, Mes was replaced at halftime by Laura Langman, who moved in to wing attack to make room for converted defender Kayla Cullen at centre.
Silver Ferns captain Casey Williams also made an appearance at halftime, making her international return after a 15-month lay-off with ankle, and more recently, knee problems. After a slow start, it did not take long before Williams was back to her ball-snaffling best, picking up four intercepts and one deflection in her 30 minutes on court.
But it was goal keep Katrina Grant that was the real defensive star last night, pulling in nine intercepts - four of those in the opening 15 minutes - and making a general menace of herself.
In yesterday's earlier match-up, Australia opened their Quad Series campaign with a healthy 64-40 win over England.
Already without star defenders Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma along with key midcourter Jade Clarke for the tour, England suffered a further setback with Pamela Cookey and Ama Agbeze injured inside the opening 10 minutes. The loss of two of their most experienced players in their side did not appear to rattle the English as they stuck with Australia for much of the opening half until a flurry of late errors saw them hand the homeside a 27-22 buffer at the long break.
But that proved all the fight the English had, as they tired considerably in the second half and their execution fell away under the relentless defence of the Australians.
(Q1 - 14-9, Q2 - 14-5, Q3 - 19-7, Q4 - 16-6)
Shooting stats
New Zealand
Cathrine Latu 18/20
Maria Tutaia 10/15
Irene van Dyk 28/28
Anna Thompson 7/13
South Africa
Anna Christina Bootha 19/24
Maryka Holtzhausen 4/5
Melissa Myburgh 4/5
