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New Zealand's task of qualifying for the Super Six play-offs at cricket's World Cup in England has become harder after the recent return to form of two of the Black Caps' rivals in section play, Pakistan and the West Indies.

Making the top six is that much tougher now, admits coach Steve Rixon, in Christchurch with the New Zealand team which has assembled for a week's camp before departing for England.

West Indies has just shared a one-day and test series with Australia, while Pakistan won the recent one-day tournament against England and India in Sharjah.

``Yes, those teams are playing better than they were earlier in the season, but I think teams will have noted how we have done in our one-day series against South Africa and India this season and know we are a genuine chance.''

Rixon believes this World Cup, starting May 14, is the most open in its history.

He said although Australia and West Indies had had long seasons after earlier test series against England and South Africa respectively, he believed the incentive of winning the World Cup would overcome any staleness.

``Playing for the biggest prize in one-day cricket will lift any side. I think you'll find both those teams will have a few days off then be ready to go.''

Rixon said it was important for New Zealand not to just target winning one of the games against West Indies, Pakistan, or Australia to ensure it reached the top six.

``Pool play points carry over, which is how it should be, so the more wins the better the chance of reaching the semi-finals.''

Rixon said that while his team would have an awareness of the opposition and how they played, New Zealand would concentrate more on its own preparation.

He admitted the weather which is likely to be cloudy and cool should be more advantageous to New Zealand than most other countries, except the host nation.

``Teams from the warmer parts of the world tend not to like the cold and most are from there.''

While in camp this week the New Zealand team will practise with the Duke ball which is being used at the tournament.

Rixon said it had a more pronounced seam than the Kookaburra, which is used in New Zealand. The Duke ball also swings more which should help the likes of Simon Doull, Geoff Allott, and Dion Nash.

``Although it does more, I'm sure those guys are experienced enough to control it.''

The 22-man New Zealand squad has the first of two 50-over matches at Lincoln Green today.