"World class" Williams en route to his 43rd try in 56 Tests

Shane Williams insists brave Wales regained some respect as Warren Gatland's men forced South Africa to work overtime for victory in Pretoria.

Wales battled back from their 43-17 first Test humiliation to lead against the world champions in the second Test.

But the Springboks recovered to win 37-21 but try-scorer Williams said: "This shows we can compete against the best, we proved our critics wrong.

"The score-line flattered South Africa as we regained some pride and respect."

But Williams' sensational solo try was the highlight and it sent Wales 15-14 ahead in the first-half at the Loftus Versfeld as the red-hot wing wonder extended his Welsh record to 43 scores in 58 Tests.

The 31-year-old superstar's eighth try this year was hailed by Wales' coaching staff and planet rugby's star player.

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"Shane is a fantastic player and I have an unbelievable amount of respect for him," admitted IRB World Player of the Year and Springbok winger Bryan Habana.

"Shane's try was excellent and he has plenty to offer Welsh rugby up to the 2011 World Cup.

Wales head coach Gatland hailed Williams' killer instinct after the Ospreys hero dashed from the 10-metre line, beat five covering defenders to score the stunning score in the 32nd minute.

Gatland said: "Shane is just absolute world class.

"He keeps getting better and better. Over the last six months he has been one of the form players in world rugby and he's proved that during the last two weeks.

"He's very accurate and strong. Even the South African fans get excited when he has the ball in his hands.

"I'm really pleased by the way he's matured into a fantastic player."

And Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards added: "Thank God Shane plays for us and not the opposition!"

Williams enjoyed his second score on tour against the world champions as the Grand Slam champions' crown jewel showed he is the best finisher in world rugby.

"I enjoyed the try especially because it was so crucial and and dragged us back into the game," said Williams.

"When the Springboks pull away from you, not many teams can catch them.

"But what pleased me most was our improved performance as a team and some of our tackling was world class.

"We let ourselves in Bloemfontein last weekend but this performances proves that we can compete against the big boys.

"Our discipline was much better in all facets of the game and when we got the ball, we looked dangerous. That was more like it."