He gained his 84th cap on Saturday night but Mils Muliaina said he had plenty of doubts going into the game.
The All Black fullback had a disrupted Super 14 with a broken thumb followed by leg injuries.
Then he had to watch from the sideline when new boy Israel Dagg made every post a winner in his time in the All Black jersey.
But given his chance by the selectors, Muliaina was impressive, setting up the first try and showing great composure at the back, as he easily handled the Springboks' aerial bombardment.
"It's been a frustrating year for me with injuries and that so it's nice to get back out there and play some test-match footy. This is the sort of stuff I really thrive on - big games - and now we've got to go out and do it again," he said.
"But there has been plenty of doubts, especially when the other guys were playing really, really well. You sort of doubt you can come back and do it again."
He had spoken to All Black mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, and gone back to the old systems which had worked in the past.
"I wasn't really thinking a lot about the game beforehand. It was sort of funny. It was probably the most relaxed I've ever been for a test match. But there is a lot of competition for the position and I know I can't relax. I've got to go out and do the business.
"It's great, though. You've got Israel Dagg, who is an immense talent, and Cory Jane is playing great rugby. It can only be good for the team."
Muliaina said the side was expecting an aerial bombardment from the Springboks and was not disappointed.
He said pressure on their kickers meant the Springboks' kicks were not quite as accurate as last year, and that opened up opportunities to counter-attack.
The counter-attacking game changed from week to week, and the All Blacks were not afraid to use the ball.
