South Africa's three-pronged pace attack put their team in a strong position with a first innings lead of 267 runs on the third day of the second Test against New Zealand on Monday.

New Zealand were bowled out for 214 shortly before tea. South Africa decided not to enforce the follow on and batted.

South Africa however, lost six wickets for just 105 runs on the board and ended the third day 372 runs ahead. Quinton de Kock smashed a 50 off 43 balls and led the attack.

Earlier, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada took three wickets each and Vernon Philander claimed two.

Only captain Kane Williamson was able to provide sustained resistance for New Zealand. He was last man out for 77.

Williamson and Nicholls put on 60 for the fourth wicket and enabled New Zealand to make an encouraging start to the day after resuming at 38 for three.

New Zealand's resistance crumbled after the breakthrough.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SOUTH AFRICA: 481 for 8 dec and 105 for 6 (De Kock 50; Southee 2-27, Boult 2-38)

NEW ZEALAND: 214 all out in 58.3 overs (Williamson 77, Nicholls 36, Bracewell 18, Wagner 31; Steyn 3-66, Rabada 3-62)