After dominating the court against Fiji three days ago, the Silver Ferns will need to up the intensity when they meet South Africa in Hamilton on Sunday.
A 60-goal win over Fiji allowed a revamped New Zealand plenty of scope to test-drive a range of combinations ahead of next month's netball World Cup in Sydney.
Two matches against the Proteas, the second in Auckland on Tuesday, should prove more testing.
The Kiwis will still win but South Africa - coached by former Australian Diamonds mentor Norma Plummer - present an intriguing proposition.
Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu is wary of the world No.6 team, even though New Zealand's last two meetings against them three years ago resulted in winning margins of 36 and 39.
She's expecting accurate shooting - a hallmark of South African netball - and describes their midcourt, led by the vastly experienced Erin Burger, as pacy and talented.
"I think the hallmark of Norma's coaching has always been great timing, particularly in flow through the middle, so I'm expecting to see that," Taumaunu told NZ Newswire.
The Proteas defensive structures are a little more unclear, particularly in the circle where newcomer Rochelle Lawson is joined by another rookie in Phuma Maweni, who played for Loughborough Lightning in England's Superleague this year.
Regardless of who turns out, and with Adele Niemand and Karla Mostert still offering plenty of experience, Taumaunu says some things will remain constant.
"We'll be expecting height, a pretty physical approach defensively through man on, and tight marking."
Taumaunu is hoping her team will continue to play the fast-paced, instinctive brand of netball that worked so well against Fiji.
She's also hoping South Africa's quicker, more physical defence will force the Silver Ferns to play under pressure.
The goal is simple: "To not be afraid to take risks, and to work hard in building understanding so that when we put the ball into space, it's being well-read and shooters are taking it with some comfort."
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