Confident Kiwis up for the fight in Durban

Successive series defeats, the loss of their captain and a dramatic drop from the top of the Test rankings has left South Africa vulnerable as they prepare to host New Zealand in a two-match encounter.

And the Black Caps can sense an opportunity.

South Africa, the top-ranked Test nation before defeats by India and England saw them slide to sixth, return to the five-day format at Kingsmead on Friday after a seven-month hiatus without injured skipper AB de Villiers and pace bowler Morne Morkel.

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In their absence the hosts face a tough examination against a youthful and confident New Zealand side, with the first Test to begin at Kingsmead, Durban on Friday.

But Black Caps batsman BJ Watling says his team will have to be "up for the fight" if they are to win their first Test series against South Africa.

"The quality of depth that they have we know it's going to be just as tough," said the 31-year-old wicketkeeper, who was born in Durban and lived there until he was nine.

"It's a big loss for them (having no de Villiers and Morkel) but you can look through their seamers and their batting line-up as well has got some experience there with Amla and du Plessis. It will still be a huge challenge for us to win this test and test series."

After a comfortable 2-0 series win against Zimbabwe on batsman and spin-friendly wickets, the Black Caps will face a definite change of pace at Kingsmead.

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With pacemen Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kasigo Rabada likely to spearhead the Proteas' bowling attack and quality batsmen in Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy, Watling admits New Zealand will need to step up a level across every facet of their game to challenge the South Africans.

"The quality of their pace attack is always going to be up there with the best in the world," he said.

"As a batting group we'll have to up to it.

"As a seaming group we'll have to step it up again too. We've got to make sure we adjust quickly and make sure we're up for the fight."

The match is the first time a Test has been played at Kingsmead in August, so both sides are venturing into the unknown a little when it comes to the pitch.

"The first innings might be a bit seamer-friendly," said Watling.

"But from the few bits of footage at Kingsmead, it looks like there is a little bit of assistance for the spinners as well. I'm pretty sure we're preparing to handle both."

This will be the 15th series between the two countries. New Zealand have never won, with 11 South African victories and three draws.