World champions South Africa scored five tries as they dismantled hosts Australia 33-7 in the opening game of this year's Rugby Championship.

Kurt-Lee Arendse scored two tries in Brisbane as South Africa equalled their biggest win against the Wallabies on Australian soil - a 38-12 victory in the same city in 2013.

Tries from Siya Kolisi, Thomas du Toit and Arendse gave South Africa a 21-0 lead at half-time, with the hosts reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes during the first period when Andrew Kellaway was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle.

The Springboks extended their lead in the second half when winger Arendse grabbed his second try while Kwagga Smith added South Africa's fifth two minutes later.

The Wallabies improved after the break but their attack made too many errors and that relieved any pressure they managed to exert on the visitors.

Centre Hunter Paisami crossed for the hosts three minutes from the end after South Africa were reduced to 13 men because of yellow cards for hooker Malcolm Marx and flanker Marco van Staden.

"We said as a group this is a big game for us to win, I am proud of the boys," said Springboks captain Kolisi.

"When you are on top you have to make sure you take your opportunities and we lost a few line-outs in key areas. That is an area we need to improve."

Captain Allan Alaalatoa said the defeat was a sobering one for Australia, who host the British and Irish Lions next summer.

"You have to credit South Africa, they showed up and put us under pressure. We did not have the ball for most of the first half," Alaalatoa said.

"It is a tough learning for our group but we have to regather and go again in Perth next week."

The teams meet again in Perth on 17 August.