"There's been a lot of talk"’, said Lehmann told Seven last night. "It has surprised me. As long as they can walk the walk, they can bring it on. It's fine."

No-one should be too surprised. Dale Steyn is one of the most intense men ever to cross the white line. The last time they were out here, in 2014 for a brief one-day series, Steyn was still smarting over on-field comments made earlier that year by Michael Clarke.

Du Plessis likened the Aussies to a “pack of wild dogs” during that earlier Test series, won narrowly by Australia 2-1.

Dave Warner played the role of provocateur in those days, and threw grenades everywhere in press conferences.

The South Africans haven’t forgotten, nor has the lack of Mitch Johnson passed without notice. At his explosive best back then, Mitch buttoned the lips of all opposition simply because the cost of mouthing off was extremely high.

The Proteas now boast a host of quick men who can hit the high-140 to 150kmh mark regularly.

Even mild-mannered monster Morne Morkel has obviously been briefed to beef up the banter.

Mitchell Starc responded: "Just because you've got Steyn and Rabada bowling fast, it doesn't mean we don't have anyone to match that."

Fast men in no mood for niceties, world-class batsmen eager for the challenge. This should be a great Test match, especially if the WACA deck turns it on.