Dunedin, New Zealand: Kane Williamson’s century and the bravery of an injury-hobbled Ross Taylor helped New Zealand take a first-innings lead over South Africa for the first time in seven Tests on Friday.

Williamson’s 130, plus half-centuries from Jeet Raval and BJ Watling, propelled the hosts to a 33-run advantage before they were all out for 341 after tea on day three.

The last time New Zealand led the Proteas at halfway was five years ago, also in Dunedin, when they were 35 ahead before the match ended in a draw due to rain.

New Zealand inched towards South Africa’s 308 after Williamson was dismissed for 130.

It started a run of three wickets for 27 runs before Neil Wagner levelled the scores with nick off Vernon Philander that brushed Quinton de Kock’s fingers on its way to the boundary.

Trent Boult put New Zealand in front with a single off Keshav Maharaj before he was bowled by the spinner to bring the injured Taylor back to the middle for a last stand with Wagner.

With the lead secured, Wagner opened up with a six and two fours off consecutive balls from Philander and added another six and four off Maharaj.

Taylor, crippled by a calf tear that forced him from the field when on eight early in the innings, was barely able to run when he returned to the crease.

After an early single off Maharaj, his one other scoring shot was from clouting Morne Morkel over the ropes for six.

The 27-year-old Maharaj, in his fifth Test, ended the innings when he had Wagner caught by JP Duminy for 32 to finish with five for 94, his first five wicket Test haul.

On a slow track, Raval with 52 and Watling who made 50 were the only other New Zealand batsmen to reach the half-century mark.

Williamson was patience personified in his innings in which he faced 241 deliveries in 280 minutes.

When he resumed on Friday he faced 27 deliveries before adding to his overnight 78.