Faf du Plessis questions the effectiveness of new-look friendly Australian team

South African captain Faf du Plessis has questioned Australia's new tactics after being surprised by the quiet nature of the team during the recent one day series.

Du Plessis has faced fierce Australian sides of the past and admitted that the current iteration of the Australian team was a far cry from teams of yesteryear.

"The Australian team was probably the hardest team to play because they were the most fierce," he told Nine News.

"There's a definite difference. Comparing that to now, you can see that they're obviously trying to minimise (the sledging) a little more and let the cricket do the talking."

However, while Australia has been adamant on playing within the spirit of cricket and playing with sportsmanship, du Plessis has issued a warning to the team.

"I always believe that you must never take away your uniqueness as a strength," he said.

"If your strength is to be in guys' faces, then you must use that."

Following a 2-1 series win during the one day series, du Plessis' South African team will face the Australians in a one-off Twenty20 in the Gold Coast on Saturday.