Hobert Test: Philander credits team performance as Proteas steal the show on Day 1

South African pace bowler Vernon Philander, who wrecked havoc on the opening day of the second Test against Australia at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, has credited the "magnificent all-round performance" to put the visitors in the driver's seat.

The Proteas powered by Philander, who took a five-wicket haul and Kyle Abbott, dashed hopes of the hosts of a memorable comeback notching up 8-wickets between them to bundle the home side for 85 runs.

However, the fast bowler refused to take the praise following his 10th-career five-for, saying, ""It was a magnificent all-round performance from everyone."

"Catches need to be taken, there was also a magnificent run-out, all those things add up to a collective team effort and allow you to bowl a team out. You need those things to go your way, it was a magnificent performance," he was quoted as saying by Sport24.

South Africa in reply struggled as Mitchell Starc inspired-Australia kept control in the flow of runs limiting the visitors' to 170 for 5 taking a lead of 86 runs at stumps on Day One.

"Looking at the scoreboard I think we are a little bit ahead. There is still a lot of work to be done, there is still a lot of cricket to be played. We are a team that wants to get as many runs as possible in the first innings to give us a big lead. The job is nowhere near done, there is a lot of cricket to come," Philander said.

Temba Bavuma (38*) and Quinton de Kock (28*) will lead the response on Day Two.

The Steve Smith-led side lost the first Test of the three-match series by 177 runs at the WACA.