SEMI-FINAL GUIDE

semi-final draw in New Zealand, with South Africa, their opponents yesterday, instead forced to take on 11-time champions and current holders Australia for a spot in Sunday’s final. But Greenway believes the Kiwis could prove to be the tougher test.

“The reality is I think England match up better against Australia than they do against New Zealand when you look at the Kiwis’ style of the defence,” Greenway added. “You almost know what you are getting with the Aussies, whereas the Kiwis are more unpredictable at the moment.

“I think defensively they are going to cause problems for any team because they have just got ball winners in [Casey] Kopua, [Katrina] Rore (left) and [Jane] Watson. They are all incredible.

“They play a zone kind of defence, whereas Australia are more man-onman and challenge you.

“We haven’t played against that style from the Kiwis for a while because even back in the Quad Series [in January] they were not as structured as they are now. I think that is going to be quite interesting.”

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AUSTRALIA v SOUTH AFRICA

Full stretch: Serena Guthrie helps England beat South Africa yesterday AUSTRALIA go into their semi-final with a 100 per cent record as they look to win the World Cup for a 12th time. They have been in formidable form so far, but they did manage to beat New Zealand by only a point yesterday. South Africa will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the tournament yesterday, which came against England. ENGLAND have thrived as hosts of the tournament and, like Australia, they boast a 100 per cent record so far. New Zealand, however, will prove a stern test for Tracey Neville’s side in what is a rematch of the semi-final from four years ago. The Kiwis won that game, but England can take heart from beating New Zealand 54-41 during the Quad Series in January.