Depleted New Zealand face tough task against South Africa

WELLINGTON : Having lost Ross Taylor through retirement and regular skipper Kane Williamson through injury, New Zealand will have their task cut out for them when they meet South Africa in the opening match of the two-test series in Christchurch on Thursday.

For the first time since 2008, New Zealand are without both Taylor and Williamson and with pace bowler Trent Boult away on paternity leave, the hosts face an uphill battle against the touring side under Dean Elgar.

South Africa have not lost a test series against New Zealand who were held to a 1-1 draw by a modest Bangladesh squad last month.

Latham's side need to make the most of another home series before they tour England and Pakistan, but South Africa are in strong form having beaten India 2-1 in their previous series at home.

New Zealanders have only managed to win four tests against South Africa in 45 meetings since 1932, but Latham refused to be bogged down by their poor record.

"For us that's not necessarily the focus. It's the process of actually how we get there and if we do play well then hopefully all that stuff takes care of itself," he said.

"South Africa are coming in off the back of a great series win against India not long ago so they'll certainly be a great side."

Johannesburg-born Devon Conway will bat at number three in his first match against the country of his birth.

Henry Nicholls will move up to number four with Daryl Mitchell, who will replace Taylor at first slip, at five.

Matt Henry will replace Boult in New Zealand's four-pronged specialist pace attack at the Hagley Oval.

South Africa know the importance of beating New Zealand, currently the second-ranked test team, but Elgar warned against complacency.

"They've had success even with the guys not