By Adrian Bathgate

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand lock Ali Williams started his 50th test against South Africa under an injury cloud having twisted his right ankle against England two weeks ago.

However, there was no sign of the 27 year-old shying away from the painful joint as he put in a couple of towering punts in a solid all-round performance as part of his team's 19-8 Tri-Nations win at the Westpac Stadium.

The match was a physical affair not helped by wet and windy conditions, and South Africa's defence was bruising, with players throwing themselves into tackles and the breakdown.

"It was very physical, there was a lot of heat from both teams," Williams told reporters.

There was also plenty of action off-the-ball, late tackles and pushing and shoving, as well as a brawl in the sixth minute which involved a fair number of players.

"That's rugby," Williams said. "If you're not going to compete physically then you're going to get pushed around."

With the All Blacks' inspirational captain Richie McCaw out injured, much of New Zealand's pre-match talk had been about the need for the experienced players in the forward pack to step into the gap.

Coach Graham Henry said Williams was part of an outstanding forward effort, which he said showed a lot character.

"Ali played superbly," Henry said "He was one of many of the forwards who played well."

Williams said the whole team was fired up for the match against the world champions.

"Every All Black-Springbok test is special and to come away on the right side of the ledger makes it more special."

All Blacks forwards coach Steve Hansen said he was pleased with the work of the forwards at lineout time, securing a fair proportion of the ball in testing and windy conditions, and disrupting the highly regarded Springbok lineout.

All Black flyhalf Daniel Carter kicked four penalties and converted a try scored by Jerome Kaino, while South Africa scored a try to Bryan Habana and a penalty to Butch James.

"It was a night that had to be won up front and that's where we won it," assistant coach Wayne Smith said.