Faf du Plessis has dug in for South Africa but they remain in a difficult position against Australia at tea on day three of the third and final Test in Cape Town.
Du Plessis reached 42 not out at tea but the hosts are still 294 shy of Australia's 494-7 declared total.
Du Plessis was almost gone with the first ball after lunch, but luckily saw his edge from Ryan Harris's delivery fall short of the slips.
Soon AB de Villiers (14) was out when he edged a Mitchell Johnson ball to Australia captain Michael Clarke at slip.
JP Duminy only added four runs to the Proteas' total before he wafted at Harris's tempter and nicked it through to Brad Haddin.
Vurnon Philander (18*) has joined Du Plessis at the crease with South Africa needing 95 runs to avoid the follow-on.
