HAMILTON, March 11: Debutant opening batsman Michael Papps led the way with a half-century as New Zealand went after South Africa's first innings total of 459 on the second day of the first Test on Wednesday.

Papps ended the day on 50 with New Zealand 102 for two in the first innings. Scott Styris was the other not out batsman, on 16. Earlier, Gary Kirsten had scored his 21st test century, reaching 137 before getting a top edge and being caught by Papps at short third man off Daniel Vettori, the pick of New Zealand's bowlers who finished with figures of four for 158.

Papps, who had a nervous start and was dropped by South Africa captain Graeme Smith before tea when he was just one, grew in stature and was powerful on both sides of the wicket.

A small man, he was peppered with short balls and had a stroke of luck soon after tea when he ducked from a Shaun Pollock bouncer but the ball hit his bat and flew to the boundary behind the wicket-keeper.

Those were his only blemishes and he reached his maiden Test half-century off 114 balls in 153 minutes and hit 11 fours. He at first dominated the 55-run partnership he had with his skipper Stephen Fleming, before allowing the senior player to take centre stage.

The introduction of medium fast bowler Andre Nel to the attack brought some immediate drama when after just two balls, he was given an official warning by umpire Russell Tiffin of Zimbabwe for running on the pitch.

Nel was hit for two fours through the onside by Papps in that troubled over, which ended with his captain Smith having a finger-pointing argument with Tiffin. Bowling round the wicket in the next over, Nel was hit for three more fours by Fleming.

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