CHRISTCHURCH: Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi says nerves are taut in the New Zealand team ahead of its opening World Cup match against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

But Ronchi said the nervous excitement is likely to draw out the best of the players when they launch New Zealand's first World Cup campaign on home soil in 23 years.

“There will be a bit of nervousness around the camp and in training today and tomorrow and people will be getting into their games and getting excited with what's about to happen.”

Ronchi refuted suggestions that New Zealand will go into the tournament as favorites given the Black Caps' impressive recent form.

He cautioned against being carried away by the 134-run win over title fancies South Africa in their final warm-up game on Monday, but was nevertheless enthused by the team's strong form.

“We can't complain, it's been going really good,” he said. “I don't think we'll be favorites but everyone's been saying we've got a shot and you've got to think that way. You can't go in there doubting yourself.”

Ronchi has become a key player for New Zealand with his power-hitting in the lower order, boosting the team since transferring his allegiance to the country of his birth after having played limited-overs internationals for Australia.

He made 170 and a shared a world-record sixth-wicket partnership during the recent one-day series against Sri Lanka.

“My role is to finish off an innings and do as well as I can there and if we're in a position where we've lost early wickets it's just to go out and bat and do my best really,” he said.

“Unless (the pitch) is green as all crazy that's the way I've always batted. For me to have a positive mind frame works well and that's when I play my best.”