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Rain, DRS woes leave Black Caps feeling wet

New Zealand claimed four wickets before the heavens above Hamilton opened with South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis riding his luck

Persistent mid-afternoon drizzle has prematurely ended day one of New Zealand's Test series comeback mission against South Africa.

The Black Caps held the Proteas to 4-123 before the heavens opened over Hamilton shortly before tea on Saturday.

The umpires delayed returns to play at 4pm, 4.30pm and then 5pm before calling an end to proceedings 45 minutes later.

The Seddon Park covers were gradually unfastened by ground staff as the rain began to subside but not enough to allow the Proteas back to the crease.

Heavier showers are forecast for Sunday and Monday, putting days two and three at considerable risk as the Kiwis look to rein in a 1-0 series deficit.

"All in all, we did well to get them four down. It would've been great to get a nice little hour tonight but it wasn't to be," Kiwi seamer Matt Henry said.

"I don't think you can look too far ahead. It's so early in the piece and weather can change, so one job at a time."

If and when the players return to the pitch, the South Africans will consider themselves lucky to still have captain and talisman Faf du Plessis at the crease.

The Black Caps' shonky use of DRS came back to bite before play ended, with du Plessis spared a review that would have otherwise sent him packing for just 16.

Having already wasted both their referrals, the Black Caps roared in appeal when the 39-Test veteran appeared to give the slightest of edges to a Neil Wagner speed ball.

But umpire Bruce Oxenford decided the 33-year-old made no contact, despite BJ Watling's animated plea from behind the stumps.

The television "snicko" later found du Plessis had nicked the delivery.

"You've got to go with a bit of gut, it all happens pretty quickly," Henry said.

"It can be frustrating but we'll get another chance."

Du Plessis was 33 not out at stumps, while first-drop Hashim Amla notched 50 off 88 balls before Henry cleaned him up with a yorker.

In the morning session, the Black Caps had limited South Africa to 3-71 thanks to the early dismissal of openers Theunis de Bruyn and Dean Elgar for a combined five runs.

Amla and JP Duminy then rallied with a 59-run stand before the latter ballooned Henry to Jeetan Patel at fine leg for 20 just before lunch.

The 25-year-old Henry, called in as cover for an injured Tim Southee, led the pace attack with Trent Boult, claiming an impressive 2-25 from 10 overs.

New Zealand XI: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson (c), Neil Broom, Henry Nicholls, Mitch Santner, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Jeetan Patel, Neil Wagner.

South Africa XI: Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis (c), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada.