After a 112-run stand for the sixth wicket, South Africa loses 5-10 to be all out for 189 late on Boxing Day at the MCG, before Australia reaches stumps on 1-45.
The collapse was sparked by Cameron Green, who claimed his first five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with 5-27.
Day one of the second Test was also marked by tributes for late champion leg-spinner Shane Warne.
