Michael Clarke led the way with a century but South Africa dominated the weather-shortened opening day of the first test in Cape Town.
The Australian captain produced a near faultless innings of 107 from 114 balls, but when bad light and rain brought the day to an early end, Australia were in a precarious position at 214 for 8.
The Proteas express bowler Dale Steyn had reduced Australia to 40 for 3 when Clarke arrived at the crease, and he survived a 19th over grilling from the South African spearhead before settling into his innings.