DURBAN, Feb 22: Although South Africa have flattered to deceive in each of their four World Cup tournaments, recent form suggests they will again be major contenders in the West Indies next month.

But first they have to play world champions Australia in Basseterre, St Kitts on March 24 in a group match which will decide which team takes two points through to the second round.

“They have one crucial match in the group stages, and that's the game against Australia,” Kepler Wessels, who played for Australia before captaining his native South Africa, told Reuters.

“They're going to have to try and peak in that match, and from there it's a case of consistency, consistency, consistency.

“But that game will sum up how far South Africa go in the tournament.”

Wessels said he was confident that South Africa were a good bet to reach the final in Bridgetown, Barbados on April 28. “I think we have a real chance this time,” Wessels said. “If conditions are even slightly seamer-friendly we won't be beaten.”

However, Wessels felt the South Africans were over-reliant on veteran bowler Shaun Pollock and also that they were predictable.

“It's easy to plan to play against them, but they're not easy to beat,” he said.

Wessels also felt much depended on the form of captain and opening batsman Graeme Smith.

“If Smith fires and plays well with (fellow opener) AB de Villiers, South Africa will be difficult to stop,” Wessels said.

“The fact that they bat all the way down to Andrew Hall at number eight will also be an important factor.”—Reuters