The New Zealand cricketers concede South Africa is in the better position heading into the second day of the opening Test in Dunedin.
After New Zealand dominated the opening session and had South Africa 22 for three, the tourists rallied to 229 for four at stumps.
South African cricketer Dean Elgar Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Proteas opener Dean Elgar anchored South Africa's innings, going unbeaten on 128.
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South Africa captain Faf du Plessis helped recover the visitor's innings with a knock of 52, before he was caught at midwicket off the bowling of Jimmy Neesham.
South Africa's other three wickets of Stephen Cook, Hashim Amla and JP Duminy all fell for a combined total of five runs.
The Protea's other unbeaten batsman at the crease, Temba Bavuma, will resume day two on 38.
Black Caps coach Mike Hesson heaped praise on Elgar.
"To bat through the whole 90 overs with a whole lost of different challenges I thought was a commendable effort so look I think they're slightly ahead, but they haven't got away on us."
"I thought it was a very well disciplined effort by our bowlers and the first hour tomorrow (day two) is obviously going to be critical and hopefully we can make use of the new ball."
Neil Wagner. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
South African opener Elgar says his innings was one of his toughest in Test cricket.
"Their bowlers are quality, Boult, Wagner and then the guy who has had a lot of success in the one day game, Jeetan Patel."
"It was hard graft and we knew maybe given another hour maybe things could settle down and maybe can open up scoring, but they bowled pretty well on a wicket that hasn't really assisted them too much, but still their discipline is very good."
Black Caps paceman Neil Wagner made use of his hometown advantage on the University Oval pitch - he snared two wickets for 59 runs off 20 overs to be the pick of the New Zealand bowlers.
Fellow opening bowler Trent Boult picked up the wicket of Cook while Neesham got the crucial wicket of du Plessis.
Following the first test, the teams head to Wellington before concluding the series in Hamilton.
-RNZ
