South Africa build lead after De Grandhomme ton rallies New Zealand

:South Africa lost two wickets after tea but pushed their lead over New Zealand to 211 runs by the close of day three to leave the second test delicately poised in Christchurch on Sunday.

Fiery Black Caps paceman Neil Wagner had Rassie van der Dussen caught and bowled for 45, and Temba Bavuma caught in close for 23 at Hagley Oval, but South Africa dug in to be 140 for five at stumps in their second innings.

Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was 22 not out and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder on 10, the pair's steadying 36-run partnership boosting the Proteas' chances of batting New Zealand out of the game.

"We're reasonably happy, I would say. Not entirely happy," Van der Dussen told reporters.

"They've got some world class bowlers in terms of their discipline. They really don't give you much.

"If we can get through their first spells, their bodies will be sore... I think it will go a long way for us."

A Colin de Grandhomme century pushed New Zealand to 293 in reply to the Proteas' first innings 364, before the hosts' seamers scythed through their top order to restrict them to 42 for three at tea.

Tim Southee trapped opener Sarel Erwee lbw for eight, then had South Africa captain Dean Elgar caught behind for 13.

Matt Henry bowled number three Aiden Markram for 14.

That New Zealand remain in the game is credit to all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme, who strolled off with 120 not out, having anchored a 133-run stand with Daryl Mitchell.

The pair came together with their team in peril at 91 for five on day two. Spinner Keshav Maharaj finally broke their partnership by trapping Mitchell lbw for 60.

De Grandhomme survived a fraught period in the 90s before hitting Maharaj for three shortly before lunch to bring up his second test century and first since