New Zealand 'Dark Horse' For 2015 World Cup - Steyn

South Africa's pace spearhead Dale Steyn feels that co-hosts New Zealand are the 'dark horse' in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 while Australia can be 'annoying' with their in-your-face approach.

South Africa, also one of the favorites in this edition, are eager to shed the dreaded 'choker' tag after repeatedly losing crucial knock-out matches in past tournaments, which also includes a quarter-final loss to New Zealand in 2011.

Steyn will be leading the pace attack against New Zealand in the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against the Black Caps starting 21st October as the Proteas look to familiarise themselves with conditions ahead of the World Cup.

"New Zealand are a dark horse team whenever there is a tournament around, New Zealand are one of those teams that can be nowhere for three years and get to a World Cup and they just suddenly turn it on," Steyn told the South African media.

South Africa and Australia share a fierce rivalry as the latter had knocked out the former in the semi-finals of both the 1999 and 2007 World Cups.

The two teams have always remained bitter opponents on and off the field with plenty of banter exchanged between the players.

The latest sledging incident involving Dale Steyn and Australia skipper Michael Clarke during the Test series earlier this year, made things more tense with Steyn continuing to hold a grudge against Australia.

"We all know Australia are a good team. They're in your face all the time. It's pretty annoying really," Steyn said.

South Africa, who are in Pool B along with India, Pakistan, the West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will begin their World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe on 15th February 2015 in Hamilton.

© Cricket World 2014