Proteas' near-flawless history in NZ: 'It's a proud record to be part of'

South Africa has yet to lose a Test series to New Zealand, but batter Rassie van der Dussen has recognised the need to write up a new bit of history for themselves against New Zealand's World Test Championship outfit.

The current group that's led by Tom Latham in Kane Williamson's injury-enforced absence is the best New Zealand have had since the heady days of the Crowe brothers Jeff and the late Martin, Jeremy Coney and the excellent Sir Richard Hadlee.

They've only beaten South Africa once at home across 13 Tests in five tours since 1995, even though the Eden Park success in 2004 that was masterminded by Chris's Martin and Cairns and Scott Styris was a breakthrough win under Stephen Fleming.

Rain has generally wreaked havoc in their encounters, along with some dodgy pitches on some trips, but South Africa have generally found a way to get past the Black Caps.

Thursday' first Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch will be South Africa's first Test in the city since 1999 where Jacques Kallis (148*) and Herschelle Gibbs (211*) batted New Zealand into the ground at the now-defunct Lancaster Park.

That game was New Zealand coach's Gary Stead's Test debut, but moving back to the present, Van der Dussen said Stead's group is far removed from New Zealand sides of the past.

"I am aware of that, but it's not something we've spoken about as a team even though past sides have been successful here," Van der Dussen said.

"The conditions that favour seam bowling may have been the reason for that, but it's definitely a proud record to be part of.

"It's a bit different in this series as they're the defending World Test champions and their side has been very successful over the past two years.

"They've played a lot of cricket at home, they know