NEW ZEALAND'S perfect progress to date at the World Cup means they have the freedom to consider selection options in their penultimate Pool A match, against Afghanistan in Napier.
Evergreen spinner Daniel Vettori does not appear to be expecting too many changes to be sanctioned by captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson on Sunday, though.
The Kiwis have not been in action since making it four wins out of four, albeit by a solitary wicket, in a titanic match against fellow co-hosts Australia in Auckland last Saturday.
That break is enough to persuade Vettori there is no way New Zealand management will be taking too many chances against Afghanistan, who were trounced by Australia in midweek but got off the mark at this level against Scotland before that.
"The fact is most of the guys won't have played for a week anyway, so everyone's in that situation where they're ready for some game time," said the slow left-armer.
"Whichever way Mike and Brendon go, the whole (squad) is ready for it."
Vettori has a healthy respect for Afghanistan.
"They have a balanced line-up and...a really good team.
"Frontline bowling will be difficult, and they have some very good batters.
"It's been a long time between games (for us), and it's something that we are not used to.
"We play every couple of days - so once a week is a little bit of a challenge."
Afghanistan coach Andy Moles is well aware his team face another tough task too.
He concedes some of the pace bowlers began to bowl consistently too short against Australia once they saw the bounce available in Perth and felt the need to try something different against David Warner.
"We've got to make sure that we are disciplined in the areas we bowl," he said.
"They don't do it on purpose, obviously - but it's disappointing."
The most important message he will be delivering pre-match, however, is for Afghanistan to stick to their attacking instincts.
"I'll be doing my best to make sure they don't go into their shells.
"I keep telling them they must express themselves and play with the freedom that Afghanistan cricket has been known for."
Moles is nonetheless wary of the form team in opposition.
"New Zealand have got off to a great start - winning all their games ... playing at home. They're full of confidence.
"They've got an exceptional bowling attack, as well, in (Tim) Southee and (Trent) Boult - and backed up by the other guys.
"We have to make sure we are ready for what we know is going to be a very tough examination...playing quick bowling is about character, and we need to show more character when we're up against it."
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