KEY POINTS:
PERTH - South Africa have scored one of their greatest cricketing triumphs, overpowering Australia by six wickets in the first test at the WACA after an unbeaten century from AB De Villiers.
South Africa eased to victory just before tea on day five at 414-4 with De Villiers 106 not out and debutant JP Duminy on 50.
De Villiers, 24, hugged his batting partner upon reaching his seventh test hundred and first against Australia.
And soon both batsmen were mobbed by their teammates as Ricky Ponting's Australians looked on stunned.
Mitchell Johnson claimed career-best match figures of 11-159 but lacked support, with Brett Lee, Peter Siddle and off-spinner Jason Krejza taking only one wicket each.
Resuming yesterday at 227-3, Jacques Kallis and De Villiers added 124.
Kallis fell for 57 in the sixth over of the second new ball, caught at gully off Johnson's bowling.
The tourists scored 95 in the morning session for the loss of one wicket, going to lunch well-placed at 322-4.
The successful run chase is a record for tests between the two nations, beaten only by the 418-7 by the West Indies against Australia in Antigua in 2002-03.
South Africa have never won a test series in Australia and haven't claimed a series victory over Australia since 1969-70.
In 12 previous tests in Australia since the post-apartheid era began in
1991, South Africa had won only once - in January 1994 in Sydney.
South Africa can overtake top-ranked Australia on the ICC rankings if the Proteas win the current series 3-0.
Australia have lost four of their 13 tests this year, with five wins and four draws. Another defeat for Ricky Ponting's men in the second test in Melbourne starting on Boxing Day would mean Australia had lost a home test series for the first time since 1992-93 against the West Indies.
Australia hadn't lost the first match of a home test series since 1988-89 in Brisbane against the Windies.
Battling an elbow complaint, South Africa's Graeme Smith laid the platform for the victory with an inspirational 108 on Saturday.
The skipper recorded his first century against Australia in his ninth match against Ponting's side. Smith will seek treatment and pain-killing injections in Melbourne today.
De Villiers was named man of the match for scores of 63 and 106 not and some superb catches.
Ponting said Johnson's effort was outstanding and admitted he had "passengers" in his side.
"Maybe it is at the stage where we need to have a look at different personnel as well," the skipper said.
Rival captain Smith paid tribute to the "incredible effort" by his side.
"All credit to AB and JP on his debut," Smith said.
"A series [win] would be a lot better than that [victory]. We really want to come out strong in Melbourne.
"Today is a day to enjoy it. It's not every day you chase down 414."
Asked about his elbow injury, Smith said: "I seriously doubt it will keep me out."
- AAP
SHORT SCOREBOARD
Australia
First innings 375
Second innings 319
South Africa
First innings 281
Second innings 414-4
South Africa won by 6 wickets.
