Rose hit seven birdies and two bogeys in his round of 67

England's Justin Rose continued to hold a share of the lead at the Nedbank Golf Challenge with a five-under-par round of 67 at Sun City on Saturday.

Trevor Immelman was three shots ahead at half way but Rose shot 32 on the back nine to close the penultimate round level with Immelman on 16 under.

Three-time winner Ernie Els returned a three-under 69 for third and goes into the final round trailing by five shots.

Swede Henrik Stenson is in fourth place on seven-under-par after a par 72.

We can't let it become a match-play situation because there are some good players behind us Trevor Immelman

Immelman bogeyed the first hole but then cruised through the rest of the front nine as he did in the first two rounds.

But European number one Rose collected five birdies on the way home, cashing in on some superb approach shots as he hauled in the South African.

Immelman and Rose will play together for the second straight day on Sunday.

"We can't let it become a match-play situation because it's a tough golf course, and there are some good players behind us that we have to keep our eyes on," Immelman said.

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Rose indicated that the sportsmanship between the two leaders would remain for the final round.

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

England's Luke Donald and Australian Adam Scott are six under par, joint fifth in the 12-man field, after rounds of 71 and 72 respectively.