MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand, Feb 4, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Tshepo Moreki claimed a wicket with his first ball for South Africa, whose severely-weakened team made a bright start to the first Test against New Zealand on Sunday.

The Black Caps were 65-2 at lunch on the opening day at Mount Maunganui after being sent in by captain Neil Brand, one of six players making their international debut for the Proteas.

Brand conceded he was "pretty nervous" before play began but his seamers stepped up in helpful conditions at Bay Oval.

Devon Conway was trapped leg before wicket for one by Moreki off the first ball of the second over, while fellow-opener Tom Latham was later caught behind by debut wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin off Dane Paterson for 20.

Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was watchful at the crease on 26, with Rachin Ravindra on 15.

The six Proteas debutants are Brand, fellow-opening batter Edward Moore, Raynard van Tonder, allrounder Ruan de Swardt, Fortuin and Moreki.

While the newcomers all boast considerable first class experience, the team is raw at Test level, with pace bowler Duanne Olivier's 15 caps making him the most experienced player.

Nearly all of South Africa's first-choice players were unavailable to tour because of their contractual obligation to play in the country's domestic Twenty20 league.

Moreki was the best of the bowlers, taking 1-21 off eight lively overs and he troubled key veteran Williamson early on with his movement.

Williamson showed few signs of struggling with the hamstring and knee niggles that sidelined him from much of the recent white ball series against Bangladesh.

Ravindra, playing his first Test in more than two years, struck Moreki for six over square leg -- a shot that was a hallmark of his prolific displays during last year's 50-over World Cup in India.