Fast bowler Dale Steyn's 19th five-wicket haul in Test cricket left him second only to former pace ace Allan Donald after day three of South Africa's series decider against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth.

Steyn's five for 17 left the New Zealanders all out for a mere 121 in response to the Proteas' 525 for eight declared at St George's Park on Sunday, with the follow-on later amounting to 157 for four - and the deficit still a hefty 247 runs.

The recipient of five five-fors against the Kiwis, four against India, two against the West Indies, England, Australia and Sri Lanka and one against Pakistan and Bangladesh, Steyn is one haul short of drawing level with Donald.

The veteran Donald took 20 five-wicket hauls during his 72-match career between 1992 and 2002, currently a South African record, and is now the country's bowling coach.

"19, there are so many. I remember there was one in the West Indies, where I picked up five wickets in the first Test coming around the wicket. The ball was reversing, there were a few left-handed batsmen and the guys left the ball which gave me wickets. I couldn't have bowled better, it just worked out perfectly," enthused Steyn.

"Nagpur against India was another instance, I got seven wickets and I got the ball to swing both ways, getting someone like Sachin Tendulkar was good. Those are the two that stand out for me."

The 29-year-old Steyn heralded the contributions of batsmen Dean Elgar and Faf du Plessis and seamer Rory Kleinveldt since their arrival to the Test fold. All three debuted in Australia late last year, and have performed key roles in the ongoing clash in Port Elizabeth.

Elgar welcomed his first Test century, and du Plessis his second, while Kleinveldt has snared four vital wickets in the absence of the injured Vernon Philander.

"I think those guys have gelled beautifully. Rory, Dean and Faf look like they have been playing international cricket for a while. I think the culture that this team has got is incredible at the moment, and the guys are stepping up quite well too," he added.