The two upcoming ODI series away to New Zealand and Australia is a great opportunity for the Proteas to test themselves ahead of next year's World Cup, captain AB de Villiers said on Monday.

Speaking to media at OR Tambo International Airport before the team's departure to Australasia, where the World Cup will be held, De Villiers felt gaining confidence ahead of next year's tournament was vital.

"I think the important thing is to just get a bit of confidence over there against two teams I see as a threat at the World Cup -- Australia and New Zealand," he said.

"Mentally and physically, it would be a really good way for us to get on top of them before the World Cup starts."

Fielding was still a concern for the South Africans, with the focus being more on providing the team chances to change the course of matches.

"I think it's gotten a little bit better over there [during the Zimbabwe triangular] and it's not the basics," De Villiers said.

"It's turning games around, doing special stuff that I see other teams do. I don't believe we are in the top two fielding teams in the world and you need that in a World Cup."

The eight games over two series would also provide fringe members of the squad another chance to cement their World Cup squad places.

"We are still not 100 percent sure who is going to the World Cup. There is still a bit of time left for one or two guys to put their hand up," the ODI captain said.

"It would be nice to see who feels really comfortable in those kind of conditions."

The Proteas' first game against New Zealand takes place on October 21, followed by games on October 24 and 27.

Their series against Australia begins on November 14, and concludes on November 23.

Between the two ODI series, the Proteas will also face Australia in a three-match T20 series in Australia.