Injured South African captain Graeme Smith had his first hit-out in the nets on Thursday and said he would be available to play this week, boosting the tourists after their thrashing by Western Australia.
Smith, who injured his left ring finger taking a catch in India, is unlikely to play in Friday's limited-overs festival match but is a likely starter in the second three-day tour match against a Western Australian XI from Sunday.
South Africa remained in upbeat mood despite being humbled by an innings and 48 runs by Western Australia in their opening three-day match, insisting they will be ready for the first Test on December 16.
Gibbs said the South Africans were better prepared, more experienced and knew better about what to expect here than they did on their last tour in 2001-02 when Australia beat them 3-0.
Even the infamous Australian "sledging" would not be an issue, said Gibbs, who has had problems with the Australians in the past.
Gibbs, an opening or middle-order batsman, confirmed he would probably be used at number three for the first time in the Tests.
He also played down any suggestion that the tourists would be vulnerable against leg-spinner Shane Warne after Western Australian spinner Beau Casson claimed eight wickets in the tour opener.
The other main injury worry for South Africa, allrounder Jacques Kallis, did not practice Thursday and will not play in Friday's one-day match. Kallis has damaged tendons in his left elbow but team officials said they were optimistic he would be for the first Test.
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