Netball World Cup semi-finals preview

Semi-finals
Sky Sports Netball & Arena, 11.15am & 3pm Saturday

Australia and England should set up a dream rematch of their epic Commonwealth Games final in Liverpool on Saturday as the four World Cup contenders fight for a place in Sunday's decider.

The Diamonds, who were sunk by Helen Housby's last-gasp goal in the Gold Coast last summer, have hardened as favourites during the hectic seven days that have whittled down the field to just four, but it is hard to see why England have been pushed out to as big as 5-2 from a pre-tournament 2-1 and if you have yet to back Tracey Neville's Roses they look excellent value.

They have lost defensive rock Layla Guscoth to a ruptured Achilles, which has not helped their cause, but they have looked the best all-round unit throughout the qualifying stage and the shooting partnership of Housby and Jo Harten is the most potent of any of the semi-finalists.

Fatigue is undoubtedly a factor. The format demands teams play six games in just seven days to get to the semis and the general standard of play and scoring levels have dipped noticeably as the tournament has worn on.

All four teams were able to rest and recuperate on Friday, but it is worth latching on to the lower-scoring trend in the opening semi, in which Australia are strong favourites to see off South Africa, who upset the odds when qualifying over Jamaica courtesy of a win against the Sunshine Girls last Sunday.

The Diamonds should make it through to the final without much stress, but the handicap looks big as they could ease off once they have secured a winning advantage so go under the total points.

England have superior scoring prowess to New Zealand in the other semi-final and are confidently fancied to sweep past the Silver Ferns, who gave Australia a good game on Thursday, going down by just a point, but should find Housby and Harten too hot to handle.

Recommendations
Under 108.5 points Australia v South Africa
1pt 10-11 bet365
England -6.5 points
1pt 10-11 bet365
England to win final
1pt 5-2 bet365, Betfred, Betway

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