The dominance of South Africa’s pace bowling arsenal has been compared to the all-conquering Australian attack of a decade ago by New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum.

In the wake of his team’s innings and 27 runs defeat in the first Test, McCullum said Proteas pace bowlers Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel provided a challenge like no other in the modern game.

Man of the match Philander took 5-7 as the Black Caps were skittled for 45 while Steyn led the way in New Zealand’s second innings of 275, finishing with 3-67.

Steyn is ranked first in the ICC Test bowler rankings, Philander second and the lanky Morkel eighth.

McCullum, who made his New Zealand debut almost exactly 10 years ago against an Australian one-day attack featuring Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee, said the respective lineups warranted comparison.

“The Australian attack of a few years ago was pretty relentless as well,” he said.

“It’s no surprise that they were the No.1 team at that time as well with their ability to take 20 wickets.

“This current South African team keep coming hard at you and constantly put you under pressure.

“Their seam attack is right up there in terms of the best attacks and is certainly the No.1 attack in the world at the moment.”

There could be some respite for the Black Caps in the second Test starting at Port Elizabeth on Friday, with Philander feeling a stiffness in his left hamstring on the third and final day of the Test.

Philander, 28, was in doubt up until a day before the first Test and is set for another week of treatment and monitoring.

He said the niggle had been irritated but he “hoped” to be fit for the final Test of the series.

Either way, South African captain Graeme Smith said his team would not let up against the hapless tourists next week.

“It’s about winning. It’s what you are defined on in modern sport. If you play games like this and you are dominant and can take the game forward it’s very nice,” he said.

“They’ve got good players. They are obviously struggling now to find who fits where and who can slot in to certain roles. They are a growing team but it’s our job to keep them under pressure.”