Zimbabwe are improving - they were seriously competitive against New Zealand in Bulawayo last November before losing by 34 runs in the final session of the match - but should be seen off with some comfort, provided New Zealand's players have got their T20 wrinkles out of the system over the past few weeks of HRV Cup activity.
The pitch has a solid covering of grass, more so than traditionally the case here. It has a distinctly greenish tinge, if nothing to remotely match the Hobart green of New Zealand's last match in white.
If it looks the same today, Ross Taylor would go against the norm and put in Zimbabwe if he wins the toss.
Taylor said McLean Park needed to become a ground where victory was possible rather than a wildly ambitious notion and groundsman Phil Stoyanoff supported that.
"It's probably been too flat. Phil wants more results-based wickets, and I'm sure the bowlers will be looking forward to bowling there."
And Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor suggested he would take the same decision, although his thinking may be coloured by slightly different reasoning.
Yes, he'd like to give his seamers a chance if there are strong hints of help for his new ball men, Kyle Jarvis and Brian Vitori, but the worst scenario for Zimbabwe would be being on the run by lunch on day one.
And if that sounds like a slightly defensive course of action, that's fine.
Zimbabwe are determined to improve since returning to test cricket last year. Part of that is learning about playing away from their flat, lifeless conditions at home.
In Taylor, they have a competitive international batsman who made a feast of New Zealand's bowlers in November, including a century in the test, and they feel strides are being made in the right direction.
He spoke of the challenges ahead for his team but is sure his players took heart from the events at Bulawayo, albeit in vastly different playing conditions.
"In five days, we didn't have a bad day. We know we are on the right track if we can bat for 130-140 overs as we have in our last three tests. They're huge positives for us. Replicate that here, and we'll be happy."
New Zealand's four seamers can be expected to examine Zimbabwe's batsmen's credentials against the short, lifting ball. Ross Taylor felt some of them struggled against it in the warmup game against the New Zealand XI in Gisborne last weekend. Cue more of the same this week.
BJ Watling was confirmed as wicketkeeper yesterday, Kruger van Wyk released to join Central Districts for their one-day game against Otago in Invercargill today, while surprise pick Sam Wells is expected to be 12th man.
There is a sense of anticipation about this test, on the back of Hobart.
"It captured the imagination of the country and we need to build on that," said Taylor.
NEW ZEALAND V ZIMBABWE
McLean Park, Napier, starts 10.30am today
New Zealand: (from) Ross Taylor (c), Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Dean Brownlie, Dan Vettori, BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Chris Martin, Sam Wells.
Zimbabwe: (from) Brendan Taylor (c), Hamilton Mazakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Shingirai Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Malcolm Waller, Forster Mutizwa, Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Tatenda Taibu, Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis, Keegan Meth, Ray Price, Brian Vitori.
