South Africa say they are happy to bore their way to a series victory over the British and Irish Lions.

The wily world champions were accused of deliberately sucking life out of last weekend’s gruelling second Test as they set up Saturday evening’s decisive clash in Cape Town with a tetchy 27-9 win.

Incessant stoppages and a host of flashpoints helped prolong that fragmented contest beyond the two-hour mark, while preventing the frustrated tourists from injecting any pace into proceedings.

“I will never get this opportunity again, half of the team won’t get the opportunity again.

“We want to make sure that’s the mentality throughout the team and that’s the message this week. We’re in a unique position and we’re very excited for tomorrow.

“This is our final and it does give us confidence by the way we played last week. This one is what matters the most.”