PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa - Hashim Amla ground out a patient century to give South Africa the advantage on the first day of the second and final Test against New Zealand at St George's Park on Friday.
Amla made 106 not out as South Africa reached 4-325 by the close of play.
The hosts were made to work for their runs against a determined New Zealand team on a slow pitch on which the batsmen seldom looked completely in control.
But an unbeaten century partnership between Amla and Faf du Plessis (69 not out), with some free scoring after tea, put South Africa well ahead.
"They bowled really well up front and asked a lot of questions," said AB de Villiers, who made 51 in one of three significant partnerships involving Amla.
"The ball was swinging nicely and we felt we were under a bit of pressure. But Hashim and Faf had a really good partnership and put us in a strong position."
New Zealand left-arm bowler Neil Wagner, who was born in South Africa, admitted: "It was a very tough day. The wicket was a bit slow. After lunch we bowled really well and got a couple of wickets that put us back in the game.
"But we let it slip towards the end. Against a good side like South Africa you have to be patient and create more opportunities by stringing a lot of good balls together for longer periods of time."
Amla survived on 48 when he cut hard at Trent Boult and Kane Williamson could not hold a sharp chance at gully.
Amla was involved in partnerships of 92 for the second wicket with captain Graeme Smith and 86 for the fourth wicket with de Villiers.
Du Plessis took the majority of the strike in his partnership with Amla, facing 112 of the 173 balls the pair needed to add 102 runs, with Amla content to push the ball into gaps, taking ones and twos as he ensured he did not take risks on a day when lapses of concentration contributed to all four wickets.
For much of the day there was a spirited performance by the New Zealanders, who lost the first Test in Cape Town by an innings and 27 runs inside three days.