Black Caps bowler Southee says NZ-SA rivalry doesn't just extend to the rugby field

Black Caps fast bowler Tim Southee says the sporting rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa is not only limited to the rugby field.

The Proteas are in Christchurch for a two-match Test series against world number two New Zealand, which will form part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship.

The great sporting rivalry between the two countries is predominately known on the rugby field, with the Springboks and All Blacks clashes always a monumental fixture.

After arriving in New Zealand last Friday, the Proteas are preparing to face the reigning World Test Championship winners at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Southee is looking forward to their first Test series against the Proteas since 2017 and hopes the rivalry continues on the cricket pitch.

"Dean Elgar, who is a courageous cricketer and leads from the front, and the way he goes about things... they obviously also too have an exciting bowling attack," Southee said in a Black Caps video clip on Twitter.

"Although there has been a number of personnel changes, the style that they play and they're very passionate about where they're from and what they're representing.

"In every sport, New Zealand and South Africa is a great rivalry and it's no different on the cricket field... it should be an exciting few weeks."

The Black Caps have never beaten the Proteas in a Test series at home or away.

In the 45 Tests the two teams have faced off, the Black Caps have only tasted victory in four Tests, lost 25 and 16 draws.

New Zealand's last Test win over the Proteas came in 2004 when they defeated Graeme Smith's side in Auckland - they drew the Test series 1-1.

Black Caps pace bowler Kyle Jamieson says that he has seen what the Proteas have done against India after South Africa came