In a tense Johannesburg showdown on January 29, 2026, England’s Netball Roses suffered a narrow 52-48 defeat against South Africa in the opening match of their three-game international series. The contest served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The match began promisingly for England as they established an early 6-3 advantage. However, South Africa demonstrated remarkable resilience, steadily overturning the deficit to claim a 16-12 lead. The host nation continued to build momentum, entering halftime with a 29-25 advantage.
England displayed significant determination after the break, mounting an impressive comeback that saw them briefly take a 39-38 lead during the final quarter. Despite this resurgence, South Africa capitalized on critical unforced errors from the Roses, ultimately securing their victory before a jubilant home crowd.
Team captain Fran Williams acknowledged England’s performance shortcomings, stating: ‘Our start lacked intensity, particularly in offensive execution and ball reception. The South African defense consistently punished these technical deficiencies.’ Williams nevertheless praised her team’s second-half tenacity, emphasizing her pride in their persistent fighting spirit and calling for a strong response in the upcoming weekend double-header.
With both nations ranked closely internationally—England fourth and South Africa fifth worldwide—the series represents vital competitive preparation. The teams share a Commonwealth Games pool alongside four other nations, adding strategic importance to these encounters.
The squads will reconvene for their second match on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, followed by the series finale on Sunday at 14:00, providing both coaches valuable opportunities to refine tactics and roster selections ahead of the Glasgow competition.