Even after a comprehensive nine-wicket destruction of New Zealand in Hamilton, South African cricket captain Graeme Smith is warning they have not hit their peak.

Smith and his team were able to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style after savaging the Black Caps in the second Test to take a 1-0 lead with one match to play in the series.

The third Test starts in Wellington on Friday.

The Proteas were out on the town after three days’ play following a relentless bowling display in which they dismissed the home side for 185 and 168, with the prolific Vernon Philander grabbing 10 wickets in the match.

Smith, who hit an unbeaten 55 as the tourists rushed to their target of 101 in the 20th over, was in no mood to feel for the hosts who have a sole Twenty20 win to their name against the visitors this summer.

“It’s been a tough summer but, if you are not successful in a home summer the pressure – with your own crowds and your own media – does feel a whole lot more than when you’re away.

“In professional sport, you want to be as ruthless as possible. Wellington can be a tough venue for a touring team with the conditions you can face there, particularly the wind at the Basin.

“We would like to finish this tour strongly because it has been a terrific tour for us.”

Ominously for New Zealand, Smith felt his side had yet to produce a complete performance on tour.

“We’ve still got a lot of improving to do.”

The Test marks the end of a long summer for Smith’s men which started in October with home series against Australia then Sri Lanka.

They’ve earned a rest, but are already eyeing a mouth-watering tour of England starting in July which will pit the top two Test nations against each other.

“We know going to England is going to be a really big test for us, and I’m excited about that,” he said.

Before they can put their feet up, there is the small matter of the Basin Reserve and a pitch which is expected to offer bounce and turn for their accomplished bowling attack who Smith says are relishing their work.

“They all work together and they know their roles, but they all want to be successful in their own right – egging each other on.”

Smith said despite Philander taking all the plaudits after career-best bowling figures of 6-44, the bowlers were working well as a collective.

“Guys are doing their roles, which is allowing others to attack and be a bit more aggressive,” he said.