Vaas ousted Gibbs early before South Africa lost two late wickets

South Africa coach Eric Simons admitted losing two late wickets on day two against Sri Lanka was a setback.

Sanath Jayasuriya plucked out Martin van Jaarsveld and nightwatchman Nicky Boje in one over to reduce South Africa to 116-3 in reply to the hosts' 470.

"Losing two wickets in one over was a setback," Simons said.

"It is a bit of a blow for us but it's the way the game goes. We now have to be positive and put some partnerships together tomorrow."

The visitors will resume play on the third day 354 runs behind, with skipper Graeme Smith one run short of his sixth Test fifty and Jacques Kallis unbeaten on four.

Missing influential off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka turned to all-rounder Jayasuriya to provide the spark.

"At 100-1 I have to admit I was thinking, 'gosh, it would be nice to grab a couple', but Sunny [Jayasuriya] came on and, as he often does, he nibbled a couple out," said Sri Lanka coach John Dyson.

"He has also shown in those three overs that if you bowl the right line and pace on that pitch there is a bit of turn there and hopefully there will be more and more of that."