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England lost the series opener to South Africa before winning the second game in Johannesburg to advance to Sunday’s decider, broadcast live on Sky Sports YouTube.
A much-changed team came from behind 52-48 on Thursday to beat the fourth-ranked Vitality Rose 61-49 to move one spot above their opponents.
Adjustments, including Lois Pearson moving to the wing, paid off in Saturday’s must-win game.
After the first quarter, Helen Housby’s penalty tied the score at 13-13, but the South African team took control of the situation and took a 7-goal lead under the leadership of the visiting team Funmi Fadoju.
Helen Housby scores for Vitality Roses
The Vibrant Roses took the ‘Champions Quarter’ 9-18 to seal an eight-goal cushion 44-36 with 15 minutes remaining and they didn’t falter after that.
Watch the crucial third match live on Sky Sports YouTube at 2pm on Sunday.
Thirlby: England are smart and determined
“I thought we were smarter with the ball and moved better around some good defense,” head coach Jesse Thirlby said.
“I think you saw the passion and commitment the whole team had on defense, including our offensive players, who contributed, tired themselves out and forced us into making more mistakes so we could capitalize on it. It was another great game and the game was set up really well (Sunday).”
England captain Fran Williams, who made two crucial interceptions in the third quarter and was named man of the match, added: “I thought we showed such composure and were able to weather the storm early. South Africa are fully equipped, as we know they are.”
England captain Fran Williams named player of the match
“They’ve played some amazing netball in this series, so I thought we did a really good job of being able to score goals and then really apply scoreboard pressure with our opportunities in the second half.
“I liked the way we played last quarter. We didn’t do anything too flashy and we were happy to sit back and go goal-by-goal because we knew we had the job done. Smart got us over the line.”
Looking ahead to the decisive game, Williams added: “I think we need to step up our game.
“It’s so exciting for both of us to be able to practice in those must-win games. That’s what we’re hoping for in the Commonwealth Games year.”
