With just 23 more days until the World Cup gets under way in Sydney, it is time to start thinking about some of the Silver Ferns' potential opponents. Starting with South Africa, netball writer Robert van Royen will preview five of the toughest potential opponents between now and August 7.
HISTORY
Finished sixth at the inaugural World Cup in England in 1963 before finishing third in Perth four years later.
That was the last time the Proteas appeared in the World Cup for 28 years, due to restrictions placed on all South Africa's sporting teams because of Apartheid.
The South Africans returned with a bang in 1995, making its one and only final against Australia in England, which it lost 68-48.
While finals were only introduced in 1991, South Africa is the only team other than New Zealand or Australia to make a final.
The Proteas finished fifth in 1999 (New Zealand), 2003 (Jamaica) and 2011 (Singapore).
Its sixth-placed finish in New Zealand in 2007 matched its worst finish in 1963.
PLAYER TO WATCH
There does not appear to be another Irene van Dyk or Leana de Bruin for us to poach, but one name that stands out in the 12-strong squad is 2011 player of the tournament Erin Burger.
The 28-year-old midcourter has been included in the squad despite recently picking up an ankle injury in the South African domestic competition.
South African management is sweating on her status, and it will be a major blow if the silky-skilled midcourter is ruled out.
WORLD CUP PROSPECTS
Coached by Australian 2011 World Cup-winning coach Norma Plummer, South Africa qualified for the tournament as the sixth-ranked team in the world.
The Proteas are pitted in pool C with Malawi, Singapore and Sri Lanka, and should advance to the next round with a top-two finish in pool play.
If New Zealand and South Africa both finish their respective pools in second place, they will meet in the next round, in which the top eight teams split into two pools of four.
It is hard to see South Africa making the semifinals, meaning another fifth or sixth place appears probable.
The Proteas will warm up for the World Cup with games against the Silver Ferns in Hamilton and Auckland on July 26-28.
South Africa
World Cup team
Maryka Holtzhausen (captain), Bongiwe Msomi (vice-captain), Lenize Potgieter, Melissa Myburgh, Lindie Lombard, Izette Lubbe, Erin Burger, Precious Mthembu, Rochelle Lawson, Karla Mostert, Adele Niemand, Phumza Maweni.
Coach: Norma Plummer
CUP RECORD
Best finish: 2nd (1995)
Played: 63
Won: 38
Lost: 19
