Inexperienced Australian spinner Brad Hogg faces his sternest World Cup test when New Zealand's big-hitters target him in the Super Sixes grudge match at St George's Park.

Some traditional trans-Tasman niggling will ensure a tense clash with Chris Cairns declaring Australia better off without Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting claiming opposing captain Stephen Fleming struggles against the world champions.

Cairns may have been right, but Ponting appeared to have his numbers wrong.

Having already highlighted Ponting's short time in the captaincy as a potential Australian weakness, Cairns turned his attention to Hogg, saying the exuberant left-arm chinaman bowler was yet to prove himself under extreme pressure.

"I think the loss of Jason Gillespie might be a factor in their pace attack and not having Shane Warne could play a part as well," said Cairns.

"The pressure's now on Hogg, and while he brings fresh enthusiasm into their side, in the big games experience is probably more important."

A day earlier, Cairns had told AAP: "We'll be seeing what he's made of."

Hogg, returning to the Australian side last summer after almost seven years in the wilderness, has taken nine wickets at the World Cup at an average of 21.

The 32-year-old has played only 21 international one-dayers and his greatest challenge will come when the fate of a big game hangs in the balance and he has a few overs left to bowl.

There hasn't been much pressure on Hogg or Australia yet.

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