Australia captain Ricky Ponting has warned his side their 2-0 series win over New Zealand is only a step in the right direction and they will need to be at their "absolute best" to beat South Africa.
Cricket's top-ranked team demolished the Black Caps by an innings and 62 runs after tea on day four of the second Test at Adelaide Oval on Monday.
Graeme Smith's South Africans got a reminder of Australia's pace-bowling firepower as Brett Lee took 5-105 and claimed a career-best nine wickets for the match.
The eighth-ranked Kiwis crumbled for 203 in their second innings with wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum scoring a gutsy and unbeaten 84.
McCullum's rival gloveman Brad Haddin was man of the match for his 169 in Australia's first innings of 535 in reply to New Zealand's 270.
Haddin's NSW team-mate Michael Clarke was man of the series after his 98 in Brisbane and 110 in Adelaide.
Ponting's men will regroup in Perth mid-month in preparation for their three-Test series against No.2-ranked South Africa. The first Test starts at the WACA on December 17.
"It's probably not our best-ever Test win," Ponting said.
"But right at the moment coming back from (a 2-0 series loss in) India we'll certainly take it ... and head to Perth in a week-and-a-half's time with a bit of confidence under our belts.
"They (South Africa) are a very good side.
"We have to play at our optimum. There's no hiding that fact.
"Right through India we were a fair way below our absolute best. We have taken a step closer here to being at our best.
"We know we have to play at our absolute best if we want to win the series against South Africa."
Ponting was enthusiastic about the challenge presented by Smith's side.
They also have a strong pace attack led by Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini (ranked third and fourth in the world) and Morne Morkel, complemented by star all-rounder Jacques Kallis.
"They have a really good fast-bowling attack and I think four or five of their batsmen are in the top 10 runscorers for 2008," he said.
"They are a good side and we are not kidding ourselves. We've got a long way to go yet if we want to stay the number one team in the world.
"Especially starting that Test in Perth, it's always a fast-bowlers' paradise."
Ponting said Shane Watson, who was dropped for the Adelaide Test, could be recalled for Perth if selectors opt for an all-pace attack.
Jason Krejza, who missed the Adelaide Test with an ankle injury, remains Australia's No.1 spinner despite Nathan Hauritz filling in and winning praise from his skipper with his 2-63 and 2-32.
"Watto has had a great game up in Brisbane this week for Queensland. He could easily slot back into the side as well if we feel conditions are going to suit," Ponting said.
He said Andrew Symonds was doing "fine" at No.6 and was not regarded as an allrounder competing for a spot alongside Watson.
Symonds had a modest series against the Kiwis with scores of 26, 20 and 0.
"All of a sudden everyone is asking questions about him. I'm not sure why that is," Ponting said.
