They could spent it gazing adoringly at the A-listers on the other side or lift their heads and get on with the hard graft because there will be no glory without guts - that is for sure.
If you add up the potential match-winners on each side, South Africa easily comes out on top and should win the three-game test series, which starts in Dunedin today, in a canter.
The Proteas are not leaning on reputation alone; they dominated New Zealand in the one-day series winning 3-0 and won the twenty/20 series 2-1 after the home side let victory slip from its grasp in the decider.
Led by captain Graeme Smith, who is shaped more like a fortress than a man, the tourists present as formidable opponents who have gathered momentum while nibbling away at New Zealand's new-found confidence. But form can be fickle and South Africa is not immune from its indifference.
Under pressure, the Proteas are vulnerable just like any other team. That ought to be a source of some confidence for the Black Caps, who need only to wind the clock back to its dramatic seven-run win against Australia at Bellerive Oval in December for inspiration.
The Black Caps kept battling back. They battled back from the disappointment of posting 150 to dismiss Australia for 136. And then kept chipping away in Australia's second innings despite an unbeaten 123 from David Warner.
A star was born in Doug Bracewell. He took six for 40 to help secure New Zealand's first test win in Australia in 26 years. It was a momentous achievement but some of the glory has faded following the disappointing one-day series against South Africa.
"It was obviously disappointing to lose the series but how we will be remembered in 20 or 30 years' time will be how we play in this test series," captain Ross Taylor said.
"I guess after the win in Hobart, we captured the imagination of the country and we want to try and build on that.
"We know South Africa are a top side, but we just need to worry about ourselves and get out there express ourselves and get into the fight.
"There are world-class names in the South African team but we have a couple in our team as well."
Doubt, though, is never far from the surface and has re-emerged with everybody from taxis drivers to Jill-the-neighbour dismissing the Black Caps' prospects.
Dale Steyn is just too quick.
Vernon Philander is so accurate.
Morne Morkel is plain dangerous, especially when he hits that spot just back of a length and the ball fizzes through at about the same height as the batsman's throat.
Jacques Kallis, who is under an injury cloud and may not play today, is one of greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, Hashim Amla has forgotten how to get out and Smith is averaging close to 50.
And the list goes on.
As trite as it sounds, Taylor is right. The Black Caps cannot control how well the opposition plays but can take responsibility for their own performance.
Chris Martin has a superb record (44 wickets at 24.59) against South Africa and is not planning on looking up at the scoreboard in fear. He has dismissed Smith more than he has any other batsman at test level, picking up his wicket six times.
Daniel Vettori (355 test wickets) brings a wealth of experience and is focused on test cricket these days. He is eying up Sir Richard Hadlee's total of 431 wickets and a good performance in this series will move him a step closer to overtaking the great fast bowler.
It is also a big series for Martin Guptill. He has been in wonderful form with the bat this summer but still has a point to prove at test level against quality opposition.
And if Taylor and Brendon McCullum can average 50 or 60 in the series, there is every reason to believe this side can compete with what is a very good South African team.
Source:http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/200377/cricket-kiwis-need-focus-own-performance
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