South Africa closed day one of the first Test match with Australia on 255-2 after an unbeaten stand of 136 from Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis.
The duo came together shortly after lunch with the score on 119-2 and they batted their way through the day until bad light brought the final session to an early close.
After winning the toss in Brisbane, the tourists lost an early wicket when skipper Graeme Smith was trapped lbw by James Pattinson for 10.
Alviro Petersen scored 64 before he was caught by Michael Hussey off the bowling of Nathan Lyon as Australia struggled in the field.
That dismissal brought Kallis to the crease and he quickly sought to retain control for South Africa with a quick-fire 37 runs off 48 balls.
Kallis and Amla's dominance continued in the final session with a further 69 runs as Kallis finished the day not out on 84 with Amla unbeaten on 90.
