The South African cricketers have fired a warning shot ahead of the deciding one day international against the Black Caps in Auckland this afternoon.
Captain AB de Villiers (right) and Faf du Plessis. Photo: Photosport
Faf du Plessis is hoping with the series on the line his side will finally turn on a top performance.
The best of five match series is level at two all but du Plessis doesn't believe his side has played at its best on tour so far.
"We've been firing at about 65 per cent this whole series and we haven't played close to a complete game at all.
"When it comes to the ball (bowling) make sure we're a lot more relentless in the areas that we bowl. We've been very soft in giving boundaries away and with the bat, not enough hundreds in the top six, that's something we pride ourselves on."
du Plessis did admit that the his side is still haunted by the world cup semi final loss to New Zealand at Eden Park almost two years ago.
In March 2015 Black Caps allrounder Grant Elliott clubbed fast bowler Dale Steyn for six over the long-on boundary to win the match and qualify the Black Caps for the final.
du Plessis said that loss is still very raw.
"It's something that will be with this team for a while, I don't think it's humanly possible to just wipe it off the sheets but it's an opportunity to do something special again.
"It's a great occasion, it's important to test ourselves in big moments and tomorrow's going to be a real big one," du Plessis said.
Martin Guptill celebrates his 12th ODI century. Photo: Photosport
For the Black Caps, coach Mike Hesson said Hamilton's emphatic win is already behind them and is making sure his side focusses on the task at hand today to ensure a series win.
Martin Guptill's return to the international scene with 180 not out saved the series for the Black Caps, leveling it at two all.
But Hesson said they won't dwell on their achievement, just as they didn't dwell on their record loss to South Africa in previous match in Wellington.
"We reflect and we hopefully learn and try and get better but we don't ride the waves.
"Consistency in cricket is difficult because even the top side in the world only wins 70 per cent of their games so you are going to have the odd aberration, especially against quality sides. Our challenge is to be really consistent in how we prepare and if we do that we're likely to put in a solid performance," Hesson said.
-RNZ
