South African quick Dale Steyn talked the talk before the third Test against Australia at the WACA Ground.

And on Saturday, the fiery quick walked the walk as he tore the heart out of Australia’s top order.

Steyn was well below par during the first two Tests this series, with the 29-year-old managing just five wickets at an average of 51.6.

That is a meek return for someone who sits atop of the ICC’s bowling ranks.

But with the No.1 Test ranking on the line in the third Test at the WACA Ground, Steyn vowed to deliver in the big moments.

And with South Africa defending a modest first-innings total of 225, Steyn lived up to that promise.

The right-arm quick delivered a crucial blow late on Friday when he snared the wicket of opener Ed Cowan.

But it was his efforts in Saturday’s morning session that turned the Test match South Africa’s way.

Steyn found the edge of both David Warner and Nathan Lyon to start Australia’s rot.

But it was the wicket of Michael Clarke for five that proved crucial.

Clarke entered the match in red-hot form after posting scores of 259 not out, 230 and 38 in the first two Tests.

But even he couldn’t repel Steyn in Perth, with Clarke’s edge through to the wicketkeeper leaving Australia in a deep hole at 6-45.

Steyn was irresistible during his fiery spell, and finished the innings with figures of 4-40 from 16 overs.

But returning paceman Vernon Philander, towering quick Morne Morkel and left-arm finger spinner Robin Peterson were also crucial cogs in South Africa’s bowling attack, with the trio combining for six wickets to help skittle Australia for 163.

Philander spoiled the farewell party for Ricky Ponting by claiming the former skipper for four.

Morkel (1-19 off 13 overs) had Mike Hussey jumping in his crease before the man dubbed ‘Mr Cricket’ eventually edged one through to Graeme Smith at first slip.

And Peterson, playing his first Test since 2008, fought back from some early punishment to snare the key scalps of Matthew Wade (68) and John Hastings (32) – Australia’s best two batsmen in the innings.

It took until the third Test, but South Africa’s feared pace attack finally lived up to its top billing.

And with Steyn in hot form, it spells bad news for Australia ahead of their second innings.