KEY POINTS:
New Zealand bowls coach Dave Edwards is unconcerned his team may be underdone heading into a four-match test series against South Africa in Christchurch.
The opening test today marks the first outing this season for the home team. Some of the New Zealanders have played little bowls in recent months, which Edwards thinks may work in their favour.
"Russell Meyer has had a few months in the UK and hasn't picked up a bowl. That doesn't worry me because he's fresh and raring to go," Edwards said.
New Zealand are using this series, plus later series against Malaysia and Australia, to help prepare them for the world championships in Christchurch in January.
"We're setting specific goals in each of these three campaigns and we want to increase performance as we go along," Edwards said.
"We'll be ticking off things as we meet our objectives.
"It's all about getting the team dynamics right, working together as a team. The men's four, for instance, are playing together as a team, in their positions, for the first time."
South Africa have a strong team who will stretch the New Zealanders.
Lorna Trigwell, who will skip the pair and four, is the highest ranked female on the World Bowls rankings list.
Their men are led by the experienced Gerry Baker.
- NZPA
