The Silver Ferns got more of a test from South Africa as they continued their preparations for next month's Netball World Cup with a 68-44 win in Hamilton last night.
Coming off a 60 goal win over Fiji last week, the Ferns only managed to pull away from the Norma Plummer coached Proteas in the second half.
Captain Casey Kopua admits their defence took a while to get into their groove against a strong South African shooting circle.
Bailey Mes and Jodi Brown featured in the shooting circle for the Ferns as Maria Tutaia tweaked an ankle before the game.
The two sides meet again tomorrow night in Auckland.
The Netball World Cup which gets underway on 7th August in Sydney.