Martina Salmon. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz / Photosport Ltd 2025
The Silver Ferns have survived a major scare to beat South Africa 57-56 in Invercargill to win the Taini Jamison series 3-0.
New Zealand seemed on the verge of losing to the Proteas for just the second time ever and first time since 1995, but a last-minute turnover from Maddy Gordon and a long shot just before the buzzer from Martina Salmon denied South Africa an extremely rare win.
A drama-filled final quarter saw two suspensions. First, South Africa had to play with just six players, after goal keep Nicola Smith was sent off for two minutes for intentional contact.
With three minutes left in the game, the Silver Ferns lost a player, when Kimiora Poi was also sent off for two minutes.
The Silver Ferns had already sewn up the Taini Jamison trophy by winning the first test by 26 and the second by 12 goals, but South Africa came out strong to lead 12-8 after a messy first quarter from New Zealand.
The Silver Ferns struggled to find their timing and committed nine turnovers in the first quarter alone.
South Africa continued to take it to the Silver Ferns, when they won the second quarter to lead 29-23 at the main break - just the third time they've ever held an advantage over New Zealand at half-time.
The Ferns won the third quarter 18-14, but South Africa held onto a two-goal lead heading into the final quarter.
Back-to-back intercepts from Karin Burger and Kelly Jackson sparked the home side early in the final quarter, and they finally took the lead, but the last few minutes were chaotic, as the lead changed hands more than once.
Elmere van der Berg was influential again for South Africa, with the Australian league-bound shooter looking like she had plenty of time.
Stand-in Silver Ferns captain Grace Nweke scored 49 goals.
Catch up with all the action as it unfolded below:
