South Africa vs Australia: Darren Lehmann's side skittled out for 85 on day one in Hobart

South Africa closed on 171 for five

South Africa had a lead of 86 runs by the end of play (Getty)

South Africa put themselves in a strong position in the second Test after bowling Australia out for 85 on day one in Hobart.

Vernon Philander was the chief destroyer with figures of five for 21 as the hosts were rolled over in the first innings in just 32.5 overs.

Australia's bowlers did fight back to claim five wickets in the final session but the Proteas finished the day on 171 for five - already a lead of 86 runs.

Hashim Amla made 47 while Temba Bavuma finished unbeaten on 38 as the tourists look to build on their series-opening win in Perth.

South Africa's response made a mockery of Australia's attempt as their inability to contend with swinging and seaming conditions reared its ugly head again.

In scenes reminiscent of their 60 all out in last summer's Ashes at Trent Bridge, they found themselves reduced to eight for four less than 10 overs after being put in.

David Warner went to the sixth ball of the match as he chased a wide one from Philander and was caught behind and his opening partner Joe Burns followed in the next over as Kyle Abbott pinned him in front with one that jagged back off the seam.

There was no respite as Philander - bowling in ideal conditions - had Usman Khawaja caught at slip before getting Adam Voges to edge a beauty next ball.

Vernon Philander was the pick of the bowlers (Getty)

There was to be no hat-trick for the right-armer, but the wickets continue to fall, with only skipper Steve Smith offering any resistance.

Smith struck five fours in an unbeaten 48, with debutant Joe Mennie, coming in at number eight, the only other batsman to make double figures.

Philander finished the innings by dismissing Nathan Lyon to complete his 10th Test five-wicket haul, with Abbott ending with three for 41.

South Africa's response enjoyed a trouble-free start as they were 43 without loss at tea, but then Mitchell Starc came to the party with three wickets in 10 balls after the restart.

Joe Mennie is removed by Philander (Getty)

He got Dean Elgar lbw with the first delivery - a vicious swinging yorker - and then had Steven Cook and JP Duminy caught behind the wicket.

Amla and Bavuma stabilised the innings, though, taking their side into a first-innings lead, with both men looking fluent and scoring freely on either side of the wicket in a partnership of 56.

It was looking ominous for Australia but they were able to snare Amla three runs short of his half-century when Josh Hazlewood had him caught behind.

Quinton de Kock then came to the crease to make an unbeaten 28 alongside Bavuma.