But in much more favourable conditions at St. Francis Links on Friday morning, Brun – who started from the tenth tee – surged into contention with early birdies at the 12th, 14th and 18th.

The 30-year-old then made four birdies and two bogeys on the homeward nine to set the clubhouse target at eight under par before high winds caused play to be suspended at 13.52 local time.

No further play was possible on Friday, with the second round set to resume at 07.00 on Saturday.

Home favourite Albert Venter, Swede Jens Dantorp and Englishman Matthew Baldwin were Brun’s nearest challengers on seven under after they all finished their rounds on Friday.

Dantorp’s 63, which contained ten birdies and one bogey, was the lowest round of the week so far.

Speaking about the contrasting conditions in his opening two rounds in South Africa, Brun said: “Very different. It’s the first time for me that I’ve seen the course without wind.

“It was definitely a lot more receptive and the greens were better as well so you could make more birdies and just have more fun out there.

“Yesterday was very, very tiring – a long day. You need a lot of mental energy just to keep the ball in play and score, which I did very well yesterday.

“The course is beautiful. It’s a great place to play.

“I’m looking forward to (the weekend). It’s nice to be in contention and to have a chance but there’s a long way to go obviously.”