Hashim Amla smashed an unbeaten century as South Africa reached 325-4 on day one of the second Test against New Zealand at Port Elizabeth.
Amla made the most of a life handed to him by Kane Williamson to reach 106 not out - his 19th Test ton - and with Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 69 helped put the hosts in a commanding position at stumps on Friday.
South Africa, who won the first Test by an innings and 27 runs, won the toss and elected to bat on the opening day of play.
But they did not get off to the best of starts after Alviro Petersen, who claimed his maiden Test century at Cape Town, fell victim to Doug Bracewell (2-70) for 21 in the 10th over.
Proteas captain Graeme Smith held his nerve, hitting seven boundaries as he combined with Amla to steer the home side to 99-1 at lunch.
Smith continued where he left off after the break, notching his half-century before edging a Neil Wagner (1-88) delivery to wicketkeeper BJ Watling for 54.
Veteran all-rounder Jacque Kallis (eight) hit successive fours but his stay at the crease was brief, falling to Bracewell five overs later with South Africa at 137-4.
The Proteas received a boost shortly after when Amla was dropped by Williamson with the number three batsman two runs short of a half-century.
AB de Villiers (51) made his way to the middle and looked comfortable, finding the boundary six times en route to an impressive half-century.
However, he would be disappointed with the manner of his dismissal after hitting the ball to deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Jeetan Patel (1-60).
That's as good as it got for New Zealand as Amla and du Plessis put on an unbeaten 102-run partnership to give the South African's opening-day honours.
First Posted 12 January, 2013 8:51AM AEST
