South Africa had been 40 for four in the first innings at Gqeberha and bounced back to win; they were effectively 40 for four in the third innings here, and now have a great chance to do the same.
South Africa seized control despite a precarious start, echoing their previous resilience when they recovered from 40 for four in the first innings at Gqeberha.
Conditions at the venue featured a pitch lacking lateral movement, though it still offered good bounce for the short ball and increasingly marked turn for Nathan Lyon out of the footmarks.
The momentum appeared to shift toward Australia at lunchtime when Breetzke fell impulsively, pulling the ball straight to long leg.
South Africa finished nine wickets down with a lead of 251, leaving their advantage looking narrow before late contributions stretched the target to 288 runs.
The toil included a scoreless streak of 372 balls for Pat Cummins, marking an unprecedented drought in his career despite several good spells.
Australia's vaunted four-man bowling attack, which began the day with 1,674 collective wickets, managed to add only four more by the end of the day.
Australia face last-day chase to clinch Test and the series Australia’s vaunted four bowlers, owners of 1,674 wickets at day’s beginning, could only raise that to 1,678 by day’s end.
That ended a streak for Pat Cummins of 372 balls without a wicket, unprecedented in his career, despite some good spells along the way.
The unlikely basis was Rickelton, a franchise circuiteer who spends most of his year smiting runs or keeping wicket in 20-over blocks.