Young South Australian paceman Paul Rofe pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion in near-40 degree temperatures to claim seven second innings wickets and lead the Redbacks to an outright Pura Cup win over NSW today.

SA dismissed the Blues for 247 in the second innings to win by 67 runs, with man of the match Rofe taking a career-best 7-52 in 20 overs to give him 13 wickets for the match.

He took his previous best figures of 6-60 in the first innings.

It was the first ten-wicket Pura Cup match haul for Rofe, who turned 21 on the first day of the game, and gave him 34 wickets for the season, the most of any player in the competition at an average of 18.2.

Rofe said he had pushed himself to his physical limits in the searing heat before claiming the final wicket of Stuart Clark.

"It was hot, I'm tired, I was hoping I'd get that wicket because there wasn't much left in the tank," he said.

"I was in tears when I came off."

Starting the day at 0-10 and needing 315 to win, NSW lost five wickets in the morning session, Rofe picking up the first three, including the scalp of the sadly out-of-form Michael Slater, who was caught behind bottom-edging an attempted pull shot for a duck.

Mark Higgs (67) and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (47) revived the Blues' chances in the second session with a 104-run partnership in 103 minutes to carry NSW to 5-200, 115 short of victory. The pair took 35 runs from a seven-over spell from leg-spinner Peter McIntyre.

But Rofe replaced McIntyre to take the vital wicket of Haddin, his 10th for the match, then dismissed Don Nash in his next over to leave NSW struggling at 7-218 at tea.

Rofe had Higgs caught behind soon after tea to virtually end the Blues' chances, and after a brilliant Mike Smith caught and bowled ended Stuart MacGill's innings, Rofe fittingly claimed the final wicket of Clark.

SA cricket manager Greg Chappell said Rofe's performance was remarkable, particularly on the Adelaide Oval pitch - traditionally known as a fast bowlers' graveyard.

"He bowls the right line and length and it doesn't matter what the conditions are if you do that, he's a remarkable young man," Chappell said.

Chappell said Rofe was a future Test prospect.

"I have no doubt he has the potential but there are plenty of people that have burst onto the scene and faded away just as quickly," he said.

"But he is level-headed and I don't think he'll have that problem, if he keeps doing what he's doing he'll keep having success and he'll be noticed.

"Paul's not only an outstanding performer but he has the potential to be a leader and all those sorts of things, it's pleasing to see someone like that come through and take their opportunity."

© 2002 AAP