Rose and Immelman (66) are at 11-under 133, three strokes ahead of Ernie Els at the Gary Player Country Club.

"The ball is rolling really well, and I feel confident over my putter, so that's certainly helping me," said Rose, who had five birdies on the last nine holes and a bogey-free round.

Els is seeking a record fourth title at Sun City and the $1.2-million first prize, but bogeyed the 17th.

"Justin is putting as well as Tiger Woods right now," Els said. "That's going to make him very tough to beat, but I'll give it my best shot."

The course had been soaked by several days of rain and the round was played with the preferred-lie rule in effect, which allowed players to use a more aggressive approach toward the greens.

"The course is not as easy as some of the scores make it look," Immelman said.

Immelman, the first-round leader, managed to stay in front despite a pair of bogeys on the third and 15th.

Henrik Stenson also shot a 65 to move into fourth place, four strokes behind the leaders.

Rory Sabbatini bounced back from an opening-round 76 with a 68 on Friday, but remains 11 strokes off the lead.