South African cricket coach Gary Kirsten is ready to unleash an array of up-and-comers on the Black Caps in the first of three Twenty20 matches at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday.

The Proteas will run the international rule over their rookies with an eye on the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka during September and October.

“We’ve got some guys we’re excited about, some new players that have done very well domestically,” Kirsten said.

“That’s how we want to move with our cricket, giving the younger guys a bit of a crack and an opportunity on the international stage. If we can broaden the base of our squad, it can only be good for us.”

Among those ready to feature are 24-year-old opener Richard Levi, recalled all-rounder Justin Ontong and young quick Marchant de Lange, who took 7-81 in an innings on Test debut against Sri Lanka late last year.

De Lange, who Kirsten said can bowl in the high 140s, will combine with the pace and experience of Morne Morkel and left armer Lonwabo Tsotsobe, another looking to press his claims for a World Twenty20 berth.

Kirsten said while there was plenty of pace and variation in the South African line-up, the visitors would need to play smart cricket as they came to terms with New Zealand conditions and wickets.

“The wickets can be quite different every time you come here, so it’s our responsibility to understand that and make the necessary adjustments,” he said.

“You never know quite what you’re going to get here, to be honest. But I think we’ve got enough here, with our resources, to handle any conditions.”