South Africa beat Australia by 177 runs at the WACA

The tourists claimed a third successive victory at the WACA after 2008 and 2012 triumphs and a 1-0 lead in the series, which continues in Hobart on Saturday and concludes with a day-nighter at Adelaide Oval.

Australia's batsmen were unable to cope with Rabada's pace and swing as the 21-year-old took his fourth five-wicket haul in his ninth test, making light of the absence of South Africa's injured pace spearhead Dale Steyn.

South Africa declared on 540-8 after lunch yesterday, leaving Australia with an imposing 539-run victory target or more realistically almost five sessions to bat out for a draw.

The hosts had looked in a strong position on day two when, having dismissed South Africa for 242, they were 158 without loss before collapsing to 244 all out.