Kagiso Rabada roared through Australia stoking the animosity between the teams on the way as South Africa bowled the tourists out for 243 on day one of the second test on Friday.
Rabada took five wickets in the space of 18 balls in a blistering spell just before and after tea at St. George's Park, sending the Australians slumping from 161-3. They were saved from a worse fate when Tim Paine made 36 and put on 61 with Australia's last two batsmen.
Rabada took three of his wickets in an over and removed Australian batsmen on the last ball before tea and first ball after it to suddenly turn the tide in the home team's favor.
South Africa was 39-1 after batting through 12 overs at the end of the day, losing first-test century-maker Aiden Markram for 11. Rabada, following up on his bowling heroics, helped South Africa to the close with 17 not out as nightwatchman.
Warner, under scrutiny following the unsavory incident with de Kock in the first game, made 63 at the top of the order only for Australia to slip up badly in the second session, when it lost five wickets for 72 having been 98-1 at lunch.
Bancroft fell on the brink of lunch for 38. Usman Khawaja (4), Warner, Smith (25), Shaun Marsh (24) and Mitchell Marsh (4) were out after lunch. Rabada came back after the break to remove Pat Cummins first ball after tea, and followed up with the wicket of Mitchell Starc for figures of 5-96.
Fellow pacemen lungi Ngidi had three wickets and Vernon Philander two.
Warner was back in the spotlight straightaway on the first day at St. George's Park, coming through a tricky opening spell when the tourists scored just 18 runs in the first 13 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.
South Africa made an important breakthrough when Warner was bowled by Ngidi to follow Khawaja back to the dressing rooms after lunch.