New Zealand has beaten South Africa just four times in 42 tests.
The Black Caps' last victory against South Africa was at Eden Park in 2004. South Africa has won nine since then.
The visitors know how to win and the captain, Faf du Plessis, reckons he knows how the Black Caps might go about improving their record.
''I expect that throughout the series, I think New Zealand will look to try and play two spinners against us. Maybe from their point of view they see that as an opportunity where they can beat us.
''Obviously, we've got our one spinner and our seam attack is very successful in any conditions. But I do expect it going forward into the matches, and here as well.''
The Black Caps recalled veteran Wellington off-spinner Jeetan Patel for the three-match series. His experience and ability to take the ball away from left-handers gives the Black Caps a valuable attacking weapon.
But with the pitch likely to offer the seamers some good reward initially, du Plessis is not convinced the Black Caps will opt for two spinners in Dunedin. Patel will probably miss out.
''I know [Mitchell] Santner has done well for them for a period of time so I would expect that he would be the first-choice spinner because he can bat as well.
''I look at the wicket and I see a bit of grass, so there will be something in it for the seamers as well. But sometimes when the wicket is a bit tacky it can spin.''
For South Africa the blueprint is pretty simple - get rid of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor as quickly as possible.
''They are two high quality players. If you can keep them quiet, like we did in South Africa ... then you can put some really good pressure on the newer and younger guys.''
