Justin Rose fired a five-under-par 67 to reclaim a share of the lead after the third round of the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City, South Africa.

The European Order of Merit winner carded five birdies - and only one bogey - on his back nine and a slip by playing partner Trevor Immelman at the last allowed the status quo to be restored.

Both had begun the day 11 under but the Johannesburgborn Englishman was two behind at the turn as his South African opponent went out in 33 after four birdies in six holes from the second, having dropped a shot at the first.

Rose bogeyed the 411-yard third but clawed back shots at the sixth and ninth to reduce the deficit to two.

However, further birdies at the 10th and 11th narrowed the gap to one - with Immelman also picking up a stroke at 10 - but that good work was undone when Rose bogeyed the 406-yard 13th and his opponent made a three.

But from there Rose picked up the pace with another three birdies in a row to reel in Immelman, who missed the fairway at the last, had to lay up and then hit his approach into a bunker to finish with a five and ensure the day finished honours even.

Rose, who this year has discovered the mental toughness to go with his general game, believed twice carding three birdies in a row gave him the necessary boost to catch up.

"Twice I felt I was faltering but each time I managed to get three birdies in a row and get myself back in the tournament," he said.

"That was great. You can't do that at will so when it does happen, it really is pleasing."

He and Immelman will go head to head again today but Rose said he would be concentrating on his game and the course and try to avoid getting into a matchplay situation.

"We'll play hard and respect each other's good shots - just like we did today," he said.

Three-time winner Ernie Els, the highest ranked player in the 12-man event, shot a 69 but fell five shots off the lead on 11 under in third place.

Ryder Cup stars Henrik Stenson (seven under) and Luke Donald (six under) occupied fourth and joint fifth respectively after rounds of 72 and 71.