Springbok scrum-half Francois Hougaard paid tribute to mentor Fourie Du Preez after the 22-year-old's eye-catching performance against Australia at Loftus Versfeld.

Hougaard impressed a week ago against the All Blacks at Soccer City in his first start for South Africa and was even better against the Wallabies on Saturday, setting up four of the hosts' five tries while also making a telling tackle to deny Adam Ashley-Cooper a vital touchdown.

However, Hougaard was quick to praise injured Bok number nine Du Preez who has provided valuable advice and support to his younger Bulls' protegee.

"We had a coffee prior to the game again this week and spoke about what I should do," Hougaard said, speaking to Supersport.com.

"Fourie has been a great help. He's a great guy on and off the field."

Hougaard's performance against Australia even drew praise from another rising star in world rugby, his opposite number Will Genia.

"He has big boots to fill and is doing well," said the Wallaby halfback.

The young Springbok star could not ask for a better mentor than Du Preez and while he enjoyed his run-out on the weekend, he acknowledges that there is still room for improvement.

"I started with a poor kick, but my passing and decision-making was better than last week," he said.

When asked what the highlight of his performance against Australia was, Hougaard responded: "I'd say that last break when I sent Pierre (Spies) away and JP (Pietersen) scored. I knew then that there was not enough time for the Wallabies to come back and score another try."

"The team is right at the top of my list of highlights," he added.

"It was very special and I never thought I'd be named man of the match. It's pretty special to be the man of the match, especially at Loftus Versfeld and in Victor Matfield's 100th Test."

Hougaard also revealed that the Springboks had decided before the Test in Pretoria to make a fresh start, putting the run of four previous defeats behind them.

"Our view was that 'what happened is in the past' and we are looking forward," he said.

"It was important to kick it off on a positive note. It is a big confidence-booster."