England star Helen Housby is eagerly anticipating her side's series against South Africa, a clash that has historically been a grudge match for both teams. With the Vitality Roses facing off against the SPAR Proteas in Johannesburg this week, Housby admits to having had "experiences that were not that fun" in South Africa.
The 2024 Olympic silver medallists are set to face their South African counterparts in three matches, with Thursday's first match kicking off at 4pm on Sky Sports YouTube. According to Housby, the series represents a crucial test for England as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games later this year, where they will be competing against similar top-tier teams under intense pressure.
The Johannesburg arena is known for its challenging conditions, with some elevation affecting breathing, and the prospect of playing in front of massive crowds only adds to the already daunting task. However, Housby relishes the opportunity, describing it as "super special" but also acknowledging that it can be difficult to perform at your best under such pressure.
The outcome of this series will not only provide a vital test of England's skills but also offer a glimpse into their team dynamics and combinations ahead of the Commonwealth Games. With Housby herself emphasizing the importance of solidifying these areas, she believes that success in this series will set her side up for success in Glasgow later in 2026.
Watch the Vitality Roses take on South Africa live on Sky Sports YouTube from 4pm on Thursday.
The 2024 Olympic silver medallists are set to face their South African counterparts in three matches, with Thursday's first match kicking off at 4pm on Sky Sports YouTube. According to Housby, the series represents a crucial test for England as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games later this year, where they will be competing against similar top-tier teams under intense pressure.
The Johannesburg arena is known for its challenging conditions, with some elevation affecting breathing, and the prospect of playing in front of massive crowds only adds to the already daunting task. However, Housby relishes the opportunity, describing it as "super special" but also acknowledging that it can be difficult to perform at your best under such pressure.
The outcome of this series will not only provide a vital test of England's skills but also offer a glimpse into their team dynamics and combinations ahead of the Commonwealth Games. With Housby herself emphasizing the importance of solidifying these areas, she believes that success in this series will set her side up for success in Glasgow later in 2026.
Watch the Vitality Roses take on South Africa live on Sky Sports YouTube from 4pm on Thursday.
... Like, Housby is already saying that South Africa is gonna be a super tough test for them and it's only their first match 
. And don't even get me started on the pressure to perform at their best under those massive crowds 
. I mean, they're trying to solidify their team dynamics but it feels like there's already too much going on 
... And what's with all these Commonwealth Games later this year? Are we really expecting them to perform flawlessly again? 
I just hope they can pull it off without getting too many injuries or something 
her experiences in south africa dont seem to have put a damper on her spirits tho i love how passionate she is about this series and how much she wants england to succeed im so down for this match cant wait 2 c them take on the proteas 4 real though 
England's Housby is gonna need to get her game face on 
... she's got some wild stories about playing in SA before, and I think it's fair to say the atmosphere in Johannesburg can be pretty intense 
. But you know what? She's a pro and seems to relish the challenge 
. For me, it's all about how they bounce back from any tough moments and showcase their team chemistry 
. The Commonwealth Games are gonna be huge, and I think this series will give England a good idea of where they stand 
. Can't wait to watch them go head-to-head with the Proteas on Thursday! 
! The intensity of their rivalry is so crazy! I can feel how much pressure Housby's team are under, but she seems super focused and ready for it 
!
anyway, gotta respect her being honest about the "experiences that weren't so fun" in south africa. can't say i'd wanna play there either, elevation and crowds are no joke! fingers crossed for england but gotta keep expectations low, right? 
. It's like she's saying, "You know what, I've had tough times in SA before, but this time it's gonna be different." You go, girl! 
. With Housby emphasizing the importance of solidifying their combinations, I'm confident that they'll come out on top if they can iron out their kinks 
. Bring it on! 
The energy in Johannesburg is gonna be electric, especially with the massive crowds cheering them on. It's defo a tough test for the Vitality Roses, but I love how they're relishing the opportunity to showcase their skills and team dynamics. 
Still, I'm hyped to watch the Vitality Roses take on SPAR Proteas! Housby's right, this series is gonna be a huge test for them as they prep for Commonwealth Games. Fingers crossed they can pull it off without too much drama 
and the whole squad seems to be gelling really well, fingers crossed they can pull off that win 