Extroverted dangermen Shane Warne and Brett Lee are preparing to be bombarded with boos, jeers, hisses and insults as South African supporters death-ride the defending World Cup champions over the next two months.

Both admit the rabid South Africa crowds get them revved up.

Lee bowls a little quicker, following through a few paces further down the pitch.

Warne gives his leg spinners an extra rip, some more grunt.

His appeals develop more of an edge, his stares become more intense.

"Bring It On" is the message but Warne, playing his last World Cup, hopes at some stage the crowds give him something he justifiably thinks he deserves: respect.

"It gets my adrenaline going," said Warne, who attended a testimonial dinner for his former bunny, Darryl Cullinan, in the nation's capital on Wednesday night.

"But it's my last World Cup and I hope fans will give me credit for that and my career. I hope they applaud me at some stage.

"I love South Africa. I know most of South Africa hates me, but I hope there's also a bit of respect."

The mood among people in Potchefstroom, Johannesburg and Centurion, the only cities the side has visited, has been of outright pessimism for the South African team.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP