South African paceman Vernon Philander has a history of terrorising the New Zealand top order.
In less than a week some of the best cricketers on the planet converge on Bay Oval for the first of two historic one-day internationals.
South Africa has named a full strength side for the three-match one-day series against the Black Caps, including a host of big names like captain
AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn, so will pose a serious challenge despite the unfamiliar environment of Bay Oval.
Bay of Plenty Cricket chief executive Paul Read said the final preparations were being made for what should be a memorable few days of cricket in Mount Maunganui.
"The buildings are coming along ... it's a bit of a construction zone here at the moment," he said. "There's temporary tents put up for the corporate hospitality and we are still finishing off some of the terraces out the front. Then there's all the stands for the cameras and other bits and pieces going in."
Tickets are on sale on the Black Caps website and at Ticketek.
