Updated September 15, 2018 15:07:01

Photo: Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett dominated in the attacking circle for Australia. (AAP: David Rowland)

Australia have kicked off their quad series challenge with a comprehensive 61-44 victory over South Africa in Auckland, although were given an early scare by the world number five ranked side.

The Proteas started the brighter of the two sides at the Quay Park Arena, leading the Diamonds early, although a flawless first quarter shooting display from Caitlin Bassett and Steph Wood helped the Aussies to a two goal lead at quarter time.

Australia won the last encounter between the two sides 60-38 at the Commonwealth Games, but the South Africans kept in contact up until the half time break, trailing by just four goals as the home crowd sensed an upset.

However the Australians stretched out their lead in the third quarter, scoring 18 goals to eight to take complete control of the contest.

The Diamonds shot at 88 per cent and scored 14 goals from turnovers with Bassett (31/34) and Wood (15/18) leading the charge. Substitutes Gretel Tippett (8/8) and Caitlin Thwaites (7/9) also contributed in the final quarter.

The South Africans managed a scoring conversion rate of 83 per cent.

As Australia pulled away in the third quarter, coach Lisa Alexander was able to try out new combinations in the second half, including the introduction of 26-year-old Sunshine Coast wing attack Kelsey Browne to the side, who was hugely impressive on her Test debut.

Diamonds Captain Bassett was pleased with both the victory and the fact her side were able to test some different combinations during the game.

"Yeah, it's balancing that with winning. " Bassett said after the match.

"We'd love to get as many players out there as possible."

Australia were competing for the first time since their shock defeat against England in the Commonwealth Games final in April.

England take on hosts New Zealand in their opening clash later in the afternoon.

Australia will meet England in Newcastle on September 19 on match day two of the quad series, before taking on New Zealand in Melbourne next weekend.

The Diamonds will then look to defend the Constellation Cup against the Silver Ferns in a four Test series in October.

Topics: sport, netball, new-zealand

First posted September 15, 2018 13:49:45