Critics may have written off South Africa as challengers for the netball world championship title but their 56-36 defeat of Barbados in Auckland today showed they have the potential to make an impact.
Once again South Africa started slowly, trailling 11-12 after the first quarter as the flamboyantBarbadians threw themselves around the court.
South Africa overran their opponents in the second quarter 20-6 to lead 31-18 at halftime.
It was an even third quarter but South Africa accelerated home in the final stanza.
At 1.92m, Sindisiwe Gumede was a valuable resource at goal shoot for South Africa, improving on her performance in the previous game against Malaysia.
In defence goal keep Adele Niemand and Barbados shooter Laurel Browne were virtually locked together for most of the match, such was Niemand's physical and close marking.
If South Africa want to finish top of Pool D they will need to lift their performance again when they play England tomorrow night.
