There is no way you can put a finger on exactly why or when the five per cent drop-off happened but it is there and it is to England's advantage. The body language suggests the South African players are thinking of home and having a short break before the next campaign. However, this is the crunch and Hansie Cronje has two more days of planning, cajoling and outright affirmative action. 'No prisoners' must be the catch cry to bring wayward minds, perhaps in Cape Town already, back to the task at hand.
Donald and Pollock are the real force and even though Makhaya Ntini took four wickets in the first innings, you outwardly feel a lessening of pressure when the captain turns to the inexperienced youngster. Jacques Kallis, too, did not bowl well in the first innings.
This is a big ask for one so inexperienced, especially when you add in his slip fielding, which in itself requires great concentration. His captain must make sure he has time to relax during longer bowling spells by doing duty in the outfield. His dropped catch (Alec Stewart on six) might still prove to be one of the turning points of this Test, although his contribution overall will gladden the hearts of the selectors.
The captain's relationship with Brian McMillan will be crucial to containing England to a reasonable total. One feels McMillan is a reluctant long-spell bowler but his seam bowling is needed.
McMillan and Kallis uphill from the Rugby Stand end and Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock in short bursts downhill will be the basic plan - around 300 all out for England would be the target South Africa have in mind leaving a chase of just over 275, not easy on a pitch such as this.
Chasing this target will require a sound opening foundation, something South Africa have searched for all series. Gerry Liebenberg has not proved successful, although he does not play with the freedom that he can. Maybe that is the key for a turnaround for him. Gary Kirsten has to be the anchorman and having a left-hander occupying the crease for a long time is crucial for South Africa.
Daryll Cullinan has the talent to dictate, much as Stewart has done during the last two Tests, but his temperament has been questioned by pundits close to the game. If he does take charge, then 300 is possible for he can loosen any shackles and relieve pressure for his partners.
Cronje has been in magnificent form and with Fraser will be vying for man of the series. When the chips are down he will stand up and be counted, as will the lower order, who more than once have made the difference between victory and defeat. It may well come down to that again.