South Australia has made a steady start to its first innings run chase against NSW in the Sheffield Shield match at the SCG, reaching 1-71 at tea in reply to the Blues' 550.
Michael Klinger (24) and Daniel Harris (35) are the not out batsmen after the Redbacks lost opener James Smith (9) early.
Smith fell victim to a lovely piece of bowling from Stuart Clark, edging an off-cutter to namesake Steve Smith diving forward at second slip.
Earlier, NSW declared at 9-550 after falling just short of equalling an 82-year-old record for most centuries in an innings.
Steve Smith (100), Usman Khawaja (102) and Peter Nevill (105) all scored tons, but all-rounder Steve O'Keefe (91) was out just as he appeared headed for his maiden first class hundred.
If O'Keefe had reached there figures, it would have been the first time since 1927/28 that four NSW batsmen has scored centuries in the one innings.
But when he was out caught and bowled to Mark Cleary (4-82) after lunch on the second day, the Blues closed their innings in an extremely strong position.
Smith increased his chances of playing for Australia in the upcoming Test series in New Zealand after hammering an even ton.
He started the day on 77 and wasted no time racing to triple figures inside the first half hour of play.
He was out two balls after reaching his hundred, top edging to keeper Tim Ludeman after going down on one knee and attempting to slog Peter George (3-132) over mid-wicket.
His entertaining knock lasted just 126 balls and contained 17 fours and a six.
Nevill's innings was also a gem, the keeper-batsman cracking 15 boundaries and a six in his 225-minute stay.
He was caught behind by Tim Ludeman off Gary Putland (1-121) shortly before lunch after recording his first Shield ton.
Nevill and Smith put on 134 for the sixth wicket as the Blues posted 190 runs in an extended first session.
The lion-hearted George finished with three wickets while Cleary was the pick of the bowlers.
Ludeman claimed six consecutive catches behind the stumps.
NSW v SA day-two card
New South Wales 1st innings
Jaques c O'Brien b Cleary 26
Hughes c Ludeman b George 17
Katich c Ludeman b George 0
Khawaja c Ludeman b Christian 102
Forrest c Ludeman b Cleary 78
Smith c Ludeman b George 100
Nevill c Ludeman b Putland 105
O'keefe c & b Cleary 91
Clark c Christian b Cleary 11
Starc not out 11
Extras: 9 (6lb, 3w)
Total: 550 (9 wickets; 135.4 overs)
FOW: 1-31, 2-33, 3-43, 4-207, 5-245, 6-379, 7-511, 8-524, 9-550
Bowling
George 36- 9 - 132 - 3
Putland 21 - 1 - 121 – 1 (1w)
Cleary 28.4 - 7 - 82 - 4
Christian 24- 2 - 101 – 1 (1w)
Cosgrove 1 - 0 - 5 - 0
O'Brien 25 - 3 - 103 – 0
South Australia 1st innings
Smith c Smith b Clark 9
Harris not out 35
Klinger not out 24
Extras: 3 (1lb, 2nb)
Total: 71 (1 wicket; 22 overs)
FOW: 1-22
Bowling
Copeland 8 – 2 – 19 – 0 (1nb)
Clark 6 – 1 – 15 - 1
Starc 5 – 1 – 25 - 0 (1nb)
Smith 3 – 0 – 11 - 0