New Zealand’s batsmen must convert their starts into big scores to have any chance of chasing down a total set by South Africa on the final day of the third cricket Test, says opener Daniel Flynn.

South Africa start the day on 75 without loss, a lead of 275 and will be looking for quick runs before backing themselves to knock over the home side to win the series 2-0.

Flynn, who made 45 in New Zealand’s innings of 275 as they narrowly avoided the follow-on, says they have to apply themselves once the declaration comes.

“We’ll just have to take it session by session.

“We have to go out there and play some positive cricket and hopefully the guys can kick on from the starts we got in the first innings and someone can make a big hundred,” he said.

Black Caps assistant coach Trent Woodhill says they want to square the series but the ball is in South Africa’s court as far as a declaration goes.

“We are 1-0 down in the series and we want to make it 1-1 and South Africa want to hold on to their lead.”

Vernon Philander, who took 6-81 to claim his second six-wicket haul of the series, believes South Africa have the firepower to bowl out New Zealand in the day.

“The bowlers are confident but obviously how the wicket plays and how we take our chances will play a part.”

New Zealand will not be able to call on captain Ross Taylor whose arm was broken by a Morne Morkel delivery on the fourth day and Philander said his presence would be missed.

“It’s a big loss for them because it’s their captain and their captain sets the tone at times,” he said.