The Black Caps are bracing themselves for the odd bouncer in South Africa, whether it be verbal or with the cricket ball.
The team touch down in the republic tonight for the four-match tour.
New Zealand plays a warm up game against the Rest of South Africa side, starting Friday,before the first of three tests begins at the end of next week.
Wicket keeper Brendon McCullum says they are aware of the short balls the Proteas have used on Australia, noting the damage one did to Justin Langer.
McCullum says his teammates have been copping a few bouncers from the West Indies in the past couple of months, so they are prepared, and are expecting a barrage from the Proteas.
McCullum expects sledging to be a big part of the series.
The Australian series has finished, with a fair amount of fiery talk being used on and off the field during the three tests.
McCullum believes the Proteas always steel up when they meet New Zealand, and are particularly bad in their own backyard.
New Zealand goes into the series in fifth place in the latest test cricket rankings.
The Proteas are sixth following their three-nil defeat at home to Australia who are comfortably ranked number one ahead of England.
Stephen Fleming is the only New Zealand batsman in the top 20, up one place to 19 while Ricky Ponting tops the batting statistics ahead of Jacques Kallis.
Shane Bond is ninth and Daniel Vettori 18th in the bowling rankings which are headed by Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.
