In-form New Zealand are quietly confident they can topple a new-look Australia for the first time in 30 years in their three-Test series.
But the Black Caps are increasingly wary of the effect an expected quick and bouncy first Test Gabba wicket will have on their hopes.
The Kiwis were hammered by nine wickets in Brisbane last time they toured Australia four years ago and the opening Test of the summer shapes as an acid challenge for both sides.
New Zealand will go into the series with a much more-settled line-up, fresh from a 1-1 result in England, than Australia who will be keen to put their Ashes debacle quickly behind them.
Australia haven't lost at the Gabba in 27 years and allrounder James Neesham said on Wednesday the Black Caps were aware of the need to start the series on the front foot.
"We've discussed it; we've decided to downplay the factor of the bounce in Brisbane," Neesham said.
"We've got the Basin Reserve (in Wellington) at home that's got similar characteristics.
"Baz (captain Brendon McCullum) talked the other day about not being overawed by the fact it will be quick and bouncy and just treating it like another game in Wellington.
"It can be a little overawing. Aussie have got a pretty good record in Brisbane over the last 20-odd years. The main thing for us is to look after ourselves. We know we have a strong team and a settled unit and, if we play the way we can, it should put us in good stead."
New Zealand have cut their final practice match against a CA XI at Blacktown International Sportspark from four to three days and will head to Brisbane a day earlier to better acclimatise for the first Test.
However, the visitors are confident their seamers can make use of the bowler-friendly conditions in Brisbane come Thursday week.
"Absolutely," Neesham said.
"Tim (Southee) thrives on bouncier wickets and we have a guy like Doug Bracewell bowling first change or Matt Henry, who both thrive on the bounce as well.
"I'm sure our guys will look forward to getting on the quicker and bouncier wicket after the game at Manuka Oval."
Despite their recent good form and their settled XI, Neesham denied the Kiwis would go into the first Test with a decided advantage.
"Not really - I think whoever plays in the first Test for Australia, they will have played a lot of domestic cricket at the Gabba," he said.
"They will still have more experience there than a lot of our guys so it is an alien environment we are going into and we are trying to gather as much information as we can ahead of the first Test."
The Black Caps' three-day match against the CA XI starts on Thursday.
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