The South African community in New Zealand have torn allegiances heading into today's Cricket World Cup semi-final.

South African born Baker Steven Scheckter says New Zealand based South African fans are divided 50-50 on who they will support leading into the game.

He says picking a winner is also a coin toss.

"I think it's a very much fifty-fifty. It depends who goes in to bat first."

South Africa's Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation Gert Oosthuizen believes the result will be great for the country and will re-unite South Africa once again - just like the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cups did.

"I think it will be one of those moments in the history of our country. It will assist in cementing that social cohesion and building the nation."

He also believes the team will go on to win the competition, starting with a big victory over the Black Caps today.

"I don't think it's going to be very close. I think there will be a comfortable margin. But you know, on the day, in the match anything can happen."

Netball superstar Irene Van Dyk has no doubt where her allegiances will lie, though - the former New Zealand and South African shooter says she will be backing the Black Caps when they take on South Africa.

Her husband is not as convinced though, and she says its harder for him to choose who he wants to win.

"He seems like he's in a win-win situation, regardless of who wins he'll be absolutely stoked."