Mickey Arthur: 'I have always described the games against the Netherlands and Scotland as two scary games' © AFP Enlarge

South Africa's coach Mickey Arthur has warned his team not to slip-up against Netherlands and Scotland before the big match against Australia in the World Cup. South Africa, currently the No.1 team in the world, have had a lacklustre build-up to the tournament, struggling against first-timers Ireland before being crushed by Pakistan.

"I have always described the games against the Netherlands and Scotland as two scary games and we don't want any slip-ups in these games," Arthur told reporters at the team's hotel on Tuesday. South Africa, aiming for their first World Cup triumph, had their first work-out at the Conaree stadium at the outskirts of Basseterre on Tuesday.

They open their campaign with a Group A match against the Netherlands on Friday. Defending champions Australia and Scotland kick off the Group A action on Wednesday.

Despite the sluggish start to the tournament, Arthur believed the real competition would get his team charged up. "We have given the guys a little bit of leeway up until now, " he said, "but this is now time to start the real competition and we are really keen that it gets underway."

Graeme Smith, the captain, said his side were proud to be ranked the best side in the world in the lead-up to the tournament. "Quite naturally we are extremely proud of the number one ranking, but that was built up over two years of playing good and tough cricket and we need to do the same in the World Cup," said Smith.

He was also not amused with his side being tagged as chokers. "The chokers' tag is something we have always struggled to get rid of. It is something this team has found quite amusing at times. This team has played perfectly well under pressure and will continue to do so."