Frans Steyn had no intention of losing at Principality Stadium and helped turn the match in the Springboks’ favour as they came from behind to defeat Wales 23-18 in Cardiff.
Wales led the way for much of the contest thanks to six penalties from the boot of Dan Biggar, with Handre Pollard keeping the world champions in touch with four penalties of his own.
Steyn also landed a monstrous 54m three-pointer to cut the deficit to 18-15 before a late try from Malcolm Marx and Elton Jantjies’ last-gasp penalty sealed the victory.
Springboks edge Wales in thriller to end Cardiff hoodoo
And after coming on in the 13th minute to play a key role in South Africa’s first win in Cardiff since 2013, Steyn admitted his own record at the ground was one he wanted to persevere.
“I’m just happy we won. I’ve never lost here so it’s really awesome,” he said.
“I love this place, it’s definitely one of the best anthems in the world, the people sing it incredibly well. I don’t know where we go after this but we keep on fighting and grinding out wins like this.
“The weather was pretty terrible. We had sun during the week and now it’s raining and all of that but it’s an awesome stadium and it’s always special to play here.”
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Steyn was named Player of the Match after ensuring the Springboks started the Autumn Nations Series with a win and the 34-year-old said he was delighted his side was able to tough it out.
“I think the most pleasing thing was just grinding it out through the pressure that we had in the first half. This is a quality side and I think they will do well in the Six Nations to come,” he added.
“Their season only starts now so all the best to them and hopefully they can get the Six Nations trophy again. I getting pretty old for all this now, I’m losing all my hair.
“But it’s awesome and I can’t explain the words.”
