The Blackcaps appear to have one huge fan in Australian great Dean Jones, who believes the visitors have what it takes to knock off his former team in their upcoming three-test series.
Regarded as one of the best one-day international batsmen on the planet through the mid-to-late 1980s, Jones played 52 tests and 164 ODIs for Australia and scored a combined 18 hundreds and 60 half-centuries.
Jones faced some of the best test sides in NZ history, but he thinks this current version is the best yet.
"In my opinion, this New Zealand line-up is the greatest test team they have produced," Jones wrote in a column for Australia's Sydney Morning Herald.
"It’s a big call I know, but I feel they have the personnel that can beat Australia."
New Zealand haven't won a test series across the Tasman since the summer of 1985, when legendary seamer Richard Hadlee and batting great Martin Crow were at the helm.
The 58-year-old pointed at New Zealand's recent record that has lifted them to No. 2 in the test ICC rankings, as well as the standing of some of their key players in their respective standings - as proof of their quality.
"The team boasts six quality batsmen who are averaging more than 40 in test cricket.
"All of their top eight have made test centuries. The ICC has ranked their top four batsmen (Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham and BJ Watling) in the top 14 in the world.
"Among their bowlers, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult and Tim Southee ranked in the top 13."
"Most of their players are in the prime of their cricketing careers."
Jones called opener Tom Latham New Zealand's "greatest-ever opening bat" and red-hot wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling "the very heart and soul" of the team.
On the flipside of the coin, Jones isn't too concerned about the threat of Colin de Grandhomme with bat nor ball.
"De Grandhomme's problem is the big grounds in Australia could find him out. His 120km/h wobblers won’t worry anyone here."
According to Jones, in-form bowler Neil Wagner is "hugely under-rated", while potential debutant" Lockie Ferguson is an "X-Factor" the hosts need to be wary of.
"I don’t think the Kiwis will go to him in Perth, but he does have serious pace and the Australians will have to show some respect if he plays."
Jones has some questions over NZ's ability to take wickets once the swing threat has been nullified.
"The flat pitches in Australia are a concern for their bowlers. Once the swing goes away after 15 overs, does this Kiwi bowling line-up have the craft required to make up for their lack of pace?
"Traditionally, speed wins you test series in Australia."
Ultimately, the first 25 over with bat and ball will be where the tests are decided, said Jones, and Australia will need to be at their best against a hungry NZ side.
"Kiwi fans will be looking for revenge from their drubbing in the 2015 World Cup final.
"Let me tell you, they have the team to do it. Australia better be prepared for a hard, tough test series as their B game will not suffice."
