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The Queensland Firebirds are one win away from becoming the trans-Tasman netball leagues only back-to-back champions after reaching their fourth straight grand final in a thriller.The Firebirds booked a spot in the title decider with a nail-biting 67-64 win over New Zealand side Southern Steel in Brisbane on Sunday after trailing in the final quarter.They will host the winner of the second semi-final between Waikato-BOP Magic and the NSW Swifts to be played in Hamilton, New Zealand on Monday.Having defeated an understrength Firebirds in Round 11, the gallant Steel held the lead for long periods of Sundays clash but Queenslands class told as they pulled away in the closing minutes then hung on.There was little splitting the teams in a high-scoring contest, with Jamaican internationals Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid trading goals at either end.But a seemingly nervous performance from home team goal shooter Aiken, who finished with 57 goals from 68 attempts against Fowler-Reids 51 from 52, gave the visitors extra hope.The Steel led by three at halftime but the Firebirds were regaining a foothold due to some dynamic passing by MVP Kim Ravaillion, Caitlyn Nevins and Gretel Tippett.The Queenslanders remained patient with the ball despite facing some rugged defence and levelled the scores at 45-all three minutes before the final change.Trailing by two heading into the last quarter, the Brisbane crowd pulsated with support for their home-town heroes as the lead shifted back and forth.And the Firebirds responded, finding their best to pry open a seven-goal advantage with six minutes remaining, refusing to let go the lead thereafter.Having played in their fair share of close contests, including last seasons one-goal grand final thriller against the Swifts, Firebirds captain Laura Geitz praised her sides composure under extreme pressure.The Steel played quality netball and theyre a side who can score quickly, Geitz said.We made the most of our little opportunities and there were some scary moments there, but the self-belief amongst our playing group shows we are resilient and can go to the final whistle.Geitz wasnt about to pick a winner in the second semi-final, with the Magic having toppled the Steel last week to win the New Zealand conference title.That match will be a tight tussle and theres no doubt either side is a tough opposition to have next Sunday in the grand final, she said.Well soak up this moment and reflect on what weve achieved then on Tuesday its back to the drawing board to put ourselves in the best position to win the grand final. 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"Trying to breathe," he said with a grin. Bernier stopped 42 of 43 shots on Monday night, including all 22 in a hectic middle frame, his heroic performance propelling the Leafs toward an undue point in their final game before the Christmas break.South Africa have brought two new faces into the starting XV for their clash against Italy at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Saturday. Following the withdrawal of Eben Etzebeth, who picked up a concussion against England at Twickenham, Pieter-Steph du Toit has switched from flanker into the second row, and his spot on the side of the scrum is taken by Nizaam Carr.In the backs, veteran Bryan Habana replaces JP Pietersen on the left wing, with the Toulon speedster looking to chase down Daisuke Ohata for the most Test tries in history. Habanas 66 tries on the international stage is three behind the former Japan international. Carr featured as a replacement in South Africas 37-21 loss to England last week, and Oupa Mahoje comes in to fill his vacancy on the bench. Lourens Adriaanse loses out to Trevor Nyakane in the second of three changes to the substitutes, with Elton Jantjies selected at the expense of Lions team-mate Lionel Mapoe.The Boks are in desperate need of a win in Florence. Last weeks loss to Eddie Jones side came off the back of a disappointing Rugby Championship during which they were thrashed 57-15 by the All Blacks, and the 2007 World Cup champions have now lost five of their last six internationals. Bryan Habana has scored 66 tries for the Springboks in 123 Tests The recent record has piled pressure on coach Allister Coetzee, but in the wake of their Twickenham humbling, the Bok boss insisted he has drawn comfort from his sides efforts.ddddddddddddI always look at when a team gives up, then Id say the Springboks have lost their aura. But theres no lack of effort in the team, said Coetzee.Its hurting, it is tough times, but this team doesnt give up and I draw comfort from the way they kept fighting out there today.South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Rudy Paige; 1 Tendai Mtawarira, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 3 Vincent Koch, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 5 Lood de Jager, 6 Nizaam Carr, 7 Willem Alberts, 8 Warren Whiteley.Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Franco Moster, 20 Oupa Mahoje, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Johan Goosen.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch England v Fiji and Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Etzebeth out of Italy clash Italy make four changes Goode targets dream start Follow @SkySportsRugby ' ' '