They will be eager to wrap up the series against the Proteas with a game to spare.
The match will also mark a special occasion for Silver Fern Kimiora Poi, a former Napier Girls’ High student.
Grace Nweke in action during the first Taini Jamison Trophy test against South Africa on Sunday. Photo / Photosport
It is the first time the Silver Ferns have played in Hawke’s Bay since their 46-49 loss to the English Roses in September 2017 in that year’s Taini Jamison Trophy series. The Ferns went on to win that series two games to one.
Interim Silver Ferns coach Yvette McCausland-Durie has replaced Dame Noeline Taurua for the current series, after the latter was surprisingly stood down.
That decision reportedly related to Taurua’s leadership style and stemmed from issues which arose during a training camp in Sydney earlier this year.
Taurua has since received public backing from the likes of Silver Fern great Laura Langman.
After the win on Sunday, McCausland-Durie said she was really proud of her team.
“They’ve been under a lot of pressure and everybody wanted to own their role and take responsibility for their performance,” she told Sky Sports.
The final game of the series will be held in Invercargill on Sunday, before the Silver Ferns take on old foe Australia in a four-game series in October.