Netball: FAST5 Ferns go undefeated on day one of Fast5 Netball World Series

Bailey Mes of New Zealand catches the ball during the Fast5 Netball World Series match between New Zealand and South Africa. Photo / Getty

New Zealand's FAST5 Ferns have tipped off their Fast5 Netball World Series campaign with a bang.

Defeating rivals the Australian Diamonds 34-32 in a thrilling trans-Tasman clash, the Ferns closed day one of the series undefeated to hit the ground running and prove their determination to better last year's fourth-place result.

After the Diamonds stormed ahead with a threatening 18 point power play quarter, New Zealand struggled to take the lead until the final few minutes where youngster Aliyah Dunn's courageous long shots secured the Ferns the win.

Earlier in the evening, New Zealand took down the defending champions England Roses 32-19 in their first match thanks to a tactical power play quarter.

The Roses were unable to respond to New Zealand's 12-point lead with a shocking third quarter performance - managing just two goals under the defensive pressure of Ferns captain Sulu Fitzpatrick.

The Ferns then secured their second win of the series with a thrilling 39-36 victory over the South African Proteas.

With a stunning third quarter performance, the Proteas looked in dangerous form as they eyed their first ever Fast 5 win over New Zealand. However, Ferns shooters Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio held her nerve under the hoop to keep New Zealand's hopes of another Fast 5 World Series title alive.

The Ferns have won six World Series titles since its establishment in 2009 and will eye their seventh tomorrow tonight. They will go up against Jamaica and Malawi, and two wins will assure them of a spot in the grand final, which is set to tip off at 8:55pm.