The New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum's defending his decision to bat first after winning the toss, only for his side to capitulate for 45 - New Zealand's third worst test score and the eighth lowest in test history.
Ahead of the match South Africa captain Graeme Smith said whoever bats first would find it hard work and that was the case with Kane Williamson the only New Zealand batsman to make double figures, as the Black Caps were all out before lunch on the first day of the test in Capetown.
The Proteas will resume tonight at 252 for three a lead of 207.
McCullum says he did his homework on the Newlands pitch and thought with the cracks that appeared the better option was to bat.
Bowling for South Africa Vernon Philander took five for 7.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says Philander was outstanding and was well supported by the hostile Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn
Steyn captured his 300th test wicket when he bowled Doug Bracewell and batsman Jacques Kallis became only the fourth batsman to reach 13,000 test runs when he went past 20 in South Africa's reply.
