South African skipper Graeme Smith says his team will gain massive confidence out of the first Test at the WACA Ground – even if they don’t win.

South Africa will resume play on day five at 3-227 — requiring 414 for victory — with Jacques Kallis unbeaten on 33 and AB de Villiers on 11.

Should South Africa get the additional 187 runs needed on Sunday, it will be the second biggest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test history.

The West Indies hold the record after making 7-418 against Australia at St John’s in 2002-03.

“Even if we don’t get there tomorrow I think the confidence that we’ve gained so far out of this Test match has been huge for us,” Smith said on Saturday night.

“Individually a lot of the players have come here for the first time have really gained a lot.

“They are sitting in that dressing room really with a lot of self belief going forward into the next game.

“We have to be a little bit tighter, a little bit more precise on certain things, maybe a little bit more ruthless.

“But I think generally inside the guys is a real self belief now and even if things don’t go our way tomorrow I think we’ve proven it’s going to be a really great series.”

Australia coach Tim Nielsen said the first hour on Sunday would be crucial.

“We need to make sure we get away to a good start, we don’t give them the early momentum,” Nielsen said.

“Even if we aren’t breaking through, we’re not letting them get away with lots of runs.

“One hundred and 87 more runs with only seven wickets in hand on a fifth-day wicket is going to be tough work.”

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