Rory Kleinveldt took three top-order wickets to help pull South Africa back into contention in the second test by restricting Australia to 111-5 at stumps Saturday, a lead of 273 with two days to play.
The Australians had a 162-run cushion after dismissing South Africa for 388 on day three, and were coasting at 77 without loss in the second innings until Kleinveldt (3-14) struck.
The second-test paceman dismissed David Warner (41) and Rob Quiney (0) within three balls and then bowled Ed Cowan (29) as Australia slipped to 91-3.
Dale Steyn dismissed Ricky Ponting (16) and Morne Morkel removed night watchman Peter Siddle (1) to make it 103-5. Michael Clarke, coming off double centuries in back-to-back innings, was not out 9 at stumps.