South Africa held their nerve in a topsy-turvy match to seal an impressive 48-45 win at the Copper Box, a venue used when London hosted the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

England led in the opening stage of the match but South Africa always stayed within touching distance.

The visitors dominated the second and third period as England's performance levels dipped.

England edged ahead in the fourth quarter before South Africa again fought back, holding on for their first win over the Roses since 2017.

"We've got to sharpen up, we've got to be more clinical," said England head coach Tracey Neville.

"We had opportunities - it's quite disappointing not to push on when we need to take them.

"They just seemed to switch off at times and that is a little disappointing."

Defending champions Australia had no such trouble as they overcame arch-rivals New Zealand.

Australia, the World Cup holders, clinched a 53-50 victory in a tense encounter.

An under-strength Australian side were forced to stave off a rousing comeback from New Zealand, who trailed by 10 early on.

New Zealand eventually clawed the deficit back to two but it was not enough as Australia held on for their second win of the tournament so far.

The display of stand-in captain Caitlin Thwaites and goal attack Gretel Tippett proved crucial in Australia's triumph.

Thwaites managed to net 31 of her 32 shots, while Tippett, introduced early in the second half, scored all 12 of her attempts.