Record-breaking flyhalf Morne Steyn refused to take all the credit for South Africa's 31-19 Tri-Nations win in Durban on Saturday.

Even though he broke several record in helping the Boks secure another series victory, the first time since 1976 that the Springboks beat the All Blacks in a series, he was quick to praise his teammates for their role in the triumph.

His performance in Durban follows after he also won the Test series against the British and Irish Lions last month - only this time he started the Test and finished in sublime style.

His 31 points consisted of a try, a conversion and eight penalties.

The 31 points were the most points by a player against the All Blacks - with Steyn eclipsing the 22 points Jannie de Beer scored against New Zealand at Ellispark, Johannesburg, in July 1997.

He also improved the record for the most points in a Tri-Nations game - surpassing the 29 scored by Andrew Mehrtens against Australia in Auckland in 1999.

His eight penalties also gave him the South African record for most penalties in a Test - beating the seven Percy Montgomery scored against Scotland and France on successive Saturdays in 2006.

However, Steyn was typically humble after the game.

"Practice went really well during the week and things went as well - it was just one of those days where everything went through the poles," he said.

"If you have a forward pack like I had, you can't ask for more.

"A lot of credit has to go to the forwards, though. Any No.10 would love to be in a side like this."

While Steyn was quick to praise the pack, others pointed to Steyn's tactical acumen as one of the key reasons for the Bok victory at the weekend.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw praised the Boks for the way they put his side under pressure.

"The Boks kicked really well and pinned us inside our own half," he said.

"We then conceded penalties that cost us points, and the more mistakes we made the more the pressure built."

That pressure were the eight penalty goals Steyn landed.

Springbok captain John Smit was also full of praise for Steyn.

"It's one thing for the side to create the pressure and penalties, but it's another for Morne to go on and convert those penalties into points in a Test match," Smith said.

"He's still young but he seems so composed under pressure, which is a fantastic quality to have. I would just be careful of heaping loads of pressure on him. He's a talented footballer and he needs to be allowed to grow."

Despite having been Ruan Pienaar in the Bok pecking order all year, Steyn showed with an assured performance that he could easily challenge for a more regular starting spot.

However, Steyn - in typical fashion - does not expect to be automatically promoted ahead of the more senior player, Pienaar, based n this one performance.

With Pienaar likely to recover from an ankle injury in time for Saturday's Test against Australia at Newlands, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers faces a massive selection poser.

Steyn does not expect the Bok coach to change his mind, after having backed Pienaar all year.

"I see Ruan and myself as two pretty similar players," Steyn said, adding: "He's a good tactical and goal kicker, so nothing should change if he came into the side.

"I know he struggled in Bloemfontein [with his goal kicking], but we've all had off days. We know how good he is and the beauty of this side is that it doesn't depend on one player like me to win matches."