Kirsten was victim to a mix-up with partner Gibbs

But, despite looking comfortable against all but Glenn McGrath, Smith perished top-edging a pull, which was taken easily by wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.

And a tired-looking Gibbs followed up by holing out to Damien Martyn at deep midwicket.

Alongside Kirsten, Gibbs put only the seventh century stand for a South African opening pair against Australia and this duo's first in eight Tests.

After taking 20 overs to amass 54 before lunch, they upped the pace gradually in a 44-over partnership, with Warne taking particular punishment.

But Kirsten fell victim to a mix-up as Gibbs flicked to midwicket, failing to regain his ground before Brett Lee collected Martyn's slightly errant throw.

The veteran took 134 deliveries over his 64, with 12 fours.

Dropped catch

In the morning, Makhaya Ntini took the two remaining wickets in consecutive balls to dismiss Australia for 186.

It was the first time the world champions have been dimissed for less than 350 since the Trent Bridge Test against England last August.

Ntini took two wickets in the first half hour

Steve Waugh was caught at second slip for 42, after the tourists had added 27 to their overnight total, thanks to a brilliant dive from Kallis.

And McGrath had his off-stump skittled by a full-pitched delivery to give Ntini figures of three for 65.

Should the match get close, though, David Terbrugge may rue a dropped catch at mid-on off Lee, when Australia were 166 for eight.

Lee was unbeaten on 23 at the end, having added 36 for the ninth wicket with Waugh.

South Africa: Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher (captain), Andrew Hall, Paul Adams, Makhaya Ntini, David Terbrugge.

Australia: Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh (captain), Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath.