It's over two and half years since the Black Caps recorded their historic one-day series win over South Africa - a victory coach Mike Hesson pinpoints as the start of their one-day renaissance.
They're now back in the republic preparing for two Twenty20 matches and a three-match, one-day series against the Proteas, after winning their recent one-day and T20 series against Zimbabwe.
"The one day series win over here last time was a big start for us as we hadn't won a series in South Africa and we were also under strength, so that was big achievement for us....and probably the start of a pretty big two years culminating in the World Cup final," Hesson said.
The New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
That 2013 tour also marked the nadir of many players' international careers.
The Black Caps were comprehensively beaten in the two Test matches they played - dismissed in one innings for a paltry 45 - although their Test fortunes have subsequently improved too.
South Africa go into the one-day series having recently lost away to Bangladesh.
The hosts' last match prior to that was their heartstopping semi-final loss to the Black Caps at the World Cup.
In South Africa the series is being marketed as a chance for revenge for the Proteas. This hasn't escaped Hesson's notice.
"I've seen the ads on TV and they certainly seem to be portraying it that way."
However Hesson is talking down the emotion, saying matches between the two sides are played in a good spirit.
The Black Caps celebrate their nailbiting World Cup semi final win over South Africa at Eden Park. Photo: Photosport
"It was a great game. The game ebbed and flowed, obviously rain, wickets falling at key times, sides feeling like they were on top and then falling behind, so it was a great game of cricket. We were fortunate to come out on the right side but it could easily have gone the other way."
"A true test of a side is how they perform away from home. Just about every side performs well in their own conditions... We've started to win series away from home on a relatively consisitent basis and that's a sign we are making progress but we know, based on history South Africa [playing] in South Africa [are] pretty tough so we are going to have to play very well."
New Zealand v South Africa.
First Twenty20 - Saturday 15 August, starts 4am NZ time, Durban.
Second Twenty20 - Monday 20 August, starts 12.00am NZ time, Centurion.
First ODI - Wednesday 19 August, starts 10.30pm NZ time, Centurion.
Seond ODI - Sunday 23 August, starts 8.00pm NZ time, Potchefstroom.
Third ODI - Wednesday 26 August, starts at 10.30pm NZ time, Durban.
