Australia were 288 for three in their second innings and led South Africa by 479 runs by day three of the first Test here Friday.
South Africa, resuming their first innings at 140 for six, went on to make 206 with AB de Villiers making 91. Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson took seven wickets for 71 runs.
The visitors gained a massive lead through David Warner (115) and Alex Doolan (89). Shaun Marsh (44) and Michael Clarke (17) were in the middle at close of play.
Australia had made 397 in the first innings.
