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Ben Manenti has struck an unbeaten half-century to guide South Australia to 8-257 at stumps on day one of the Sheffield Shield clash against NSW in Sydney.

South Australia and NSW have both been left satisfied but not fully content following an even opening day of their Sheffield Shield clash in Sydney.

The last-placed Redbacks went to stumps on Friday at 8-257 after being sent in to bat, with Ben Manenti (50no) and Spencer Johnson (13no) to resume on Saturday.

South Australia were in control early at 2-128 as Nathan McSweeney (53) and Thomas Kelly (54) posted fighting knocks.

But NSW hit back to limit the damage, ensuring their hunt for a spot in the Shield final remains alive.

NSW sit fourth on the ladder, and need to beat both South Australia and Queensland to have a chance of snaring a top-two berth.

Chris Tremain (2-55), Jack Edwards (2-52), Chris Green (2-61) and Jack Nisbet (2-43) all shared the bowling load for NSW on Friday.

"I think everyone bowled very well today, especially the way we started," Nisbet said.

"During the middle overs when there was a partnership, I like the way we really stuck at it.

"To have them eight down at the end of the day, I think we'll all be happy with that."

Kelly was disappointed South Australia didn't make the most of their promising start, but felt the day ended evenly.

"It's probably a pretty even day - to not get bowled out after being dobbed in," he said.

"We were definitely in front there at 2-130, so to lose a couple is disappointing. The game is definitely in the balance.

"Hopefully Benny and Spence can push on tomorrow and get us towards 300."

For 23-year-old Kelly, the day was special after he posted his maiden first-class half-century in what is his sixth appearance.

"I've been in and out (of the side) over the last few years, so it's nice to finally get a bit of a run of it, and get past that first fifty," he said.

"Hopefully it flows from there."