South African captain Faf du Plessis ground out a century and was rewarded for his patience when New Zealand lost three quick wickets before the close of play on the second day of the second Test at SuperSport Park on Sunday.

New Zealand finished the day on 38 for three, 443 runs behind South Africa's first innings total of 481 for eight declared.

In an era of rapid scoring in Test cricket, much of South Africa's innings was a return to a more attritional age, with the run rate hovering at around three runs an over.

Du Plessis was particularly cautious as he tiptoed to a fifth Test century off 225 balls.

But it paid off for South Africa as reunited fast bowling pair Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander ripped out both openers before Ross Taylor was run out.

It left New Zealand in deep trouble in a match which will decide the series after the weather-hit, abandoned first Test in Durban.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SOUTH AFRICA: First innings 481-8 dec. (Cook 56, de Kock 82, Amla 58, Duminy 88, du Plessis 112 not out; Wagner 5-86)

NEW ZEALAND: First innings 38-3 (Williamson 15 not out; Steyn 1-18, Philander 1-10)