It’s been 339 days since the Australian Diamonds last stepped on court for an international Test match.

But the 12-month wait is officially over as the Diamonds take on South Africa in a three-Test series starting tonight.

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Australia were off to a quick start with a 3-0 lead early before the Proteas found their fight.

Their defensive duo of Nicola Smith and Jamie van Wyk both came up with big wins as it was South Africa who took a shock lead midway through the first term.

But when Diamonds defender Courtney Bruce copped stern word from the umpire for her hands on the ball, it sparked the Aussie star into action.

“Keep your hand off the ball – that’s four times now,” the umpire could be heard telling the Aussie goal keeper.

She took a big intercept before a win from behind Elmere van der Berg ensured the Aussies pushed ahead.

Only late moments from van der Berg levelled scores at 14-all at the first change.

The second quarter belonged to the Diamonds as Bruce continued her red-hot form, as defensive partner Jo Weston took her first intercept for the match.

“She’s come out, started hunting. It’s so good to see Bruce back at her best,” former Diamond Madi Browne said.

As the Aussies opened up a six-goal gap, Alice Teague-Neeld became Diamond number 194 as she entered the game on debut.

By the main break, it was Australia with a 34-26 lead.

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STARTING SEVEN

Australia: GS Sophie Garbin, GA Kiera Austin, WA Liz Watson, C Kate Moloney, WD Jamie-Lee Price, GD Jo Weston, GK Courtney Bruce

South Africa: GS Elmere van der Berg, GA Kamogelo Maseko, WA Khanyisa Chawane, C Tarle Mathe, WD Shadine van der Merwe, GD Jamie van Wyk, GK Nicola Smith

CAN DIAMONDS UNBLEMISHED RECORD REMAIN?

Despite having never lost to South Africa in an international Test in 46 attempts, Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich said her side wasn’t taking the visitors lightly.

“We have absolute respect for what they can do on court,” she said.

“We had a close look at their competition when they played against New Zealand. They’ll be full of confidence – they’ve certainly progressed and evolved their game.

“I think there’s always an expectation when you step into the Diamonds environment.

“There is an expectation that we do win … we’ve held such a high standard and that’s been the legacy of the Diamonds for a very long time.

“We take on that and we embrace that opportunity. We want to make sure we perform well and step out there and represent well.”

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The Proteas come into the Test, to be held in Bendigo, full of confidence despite their recent 3-0 Taini Jamison Trophy loss to New Zealand.

In that final Test, only a dying seconds intercept stopped South Africa from taking the win in big steps forward for coach Jenny van Dyk’s charges.

Australia meantime haven’t played a Test since their Constellation Cup series loss to New Zealand last October.

While a lack of court time could prove problematic, Marinkovich is adamant the team is raring to go.

“It seems like forever since we played an international game!” she laughed.

“We’ve had a really good preparation – we’re just keen to get out there and play against another opposition other than just doing our internal match play.

“Since Covid this would be the longest break since we’ve had an international game because we didn’t play anything in January.

“Not having played an international opponent, really brings a hunger for it and an appreciation for getting out there in the uniform. To be able to step out on that sideline … it’s a special moment and one we haven’t had for a little while.”

This match will be played at Red Energy Stadium in Bendigo with the first centre pass from 7.30pm.

SQUADS:

Australia – Kiera Austin, Lucy Austin, Courtney Bruce, Ash Ervin, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Hannah Mundy, Jamie-Lee Price, Alice Teague-Neeld, Liz Watson (c), Jo Weston

South Africa – Nicholé Breedt, Khanyisa Chawane (c), Entle Futshane, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré van der Berg, Shadine van der Merwe, Juanita van Tonder, Jamie van Wyk, Sanmarie Visser