Cape Town: Australia, which had first-innings totals of 466 in Johannesburg and 352 in Durban in the two earlier Tests, would have been disappointed with its effort after winning the toss.
South Africa scored 57 with out loss with new opening pair. Now Proteas trail by 152 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the 1st innings.
The Proteas would counter that the discipline missing from their attack as they went 2-0 down in the series was back as fast bowler Dale Steyn claimed 4-56 and spinner Paul Harris 3-34.
Top scorer Simon Katich (55) and Haddin added a fighting 71-run stand after the side had lost two wickets in 10 balls after lunch.
Katich and Haddin rescued Australia from a precarious 81/4 after Steyn, changing ends, had bowled Michael Hussey (20) and Michael Clarke (0) in successive overs.
Brief Score: South Africa 57/0 (AG Prince 37*) trail Australia 209 (SM Katich 55, DW Steyn 4-56, PL Harris 3-34) by 152-runs.