Cape Town (AFP)

The South African world champions won the three test-match series against the British and Irish Lions after a final 19-16 victory Saturday behind closed doors in Cape Town, after a closed and ultimately very disappointing encounter.

Each team scored a try, the Lions by Welsh hooker Ken Owens (19th) then the Springboks by Toulouse stadium winger Cheslin Kolbe (57th).

The rest will have been a matter of scorers, the world champions scoring four penalties by the Montpellier Handré Pollard (12, 36) and the former opener of the French Stadium Morné Steyn (67, 79), back in selection at 37 years later five years of absence.

The Northern Hemisphere players passed three by Racing 92 Scotsman Finn Russell who came on in the 11th minute to replace injured Dan Biggar.

Defeated 22-17 in the first test on July 24 then winners of the second 27-9 last Saturday, the Springboks remained on a victory in the series in 2009. The last victorious tour of the Lions, who travel to the Southern hemisphere every four years, dates back to 2013 in Australia.

The South African 2nd line Franco Mostert ball in hand, tackled by Lions hooker Ken Owens, August 7, 2021 in Cape Town PHILL MAGAKOE AFP

At the break the Lions led 10-6 after having quite clearly dominated in the possession, thanks in particular to the test of Owens registered during one of their first forays into the 22 meters South African.

- Lightning Kolbe -

Then came the only flash of the meeting, a personal feat of Kolbe who, shifted by Willie Le Roux, eliminated three opponents to go flatten behind the line (57th).

A test validated after viewing the video by French referee Mathieu Raynal due to a supposed forward from Jasper Wiese at the start of the action, upon receiving an aerial ball.

South African winger Cheslin Kolbe (l) scores a try against the Lions of Finn Russell (r), on August 7, 2021 in Cape Town PHILL MAGAKOE AFP

The test validated, Pollard was responsible for transforming it and the Springboks returned to the lead 13-10 ... before Russell put the two teams tied, again on penalty (13-13, 63).

Three other penalties will still be entered, including the last of Morné Steyn (79th) who offered victory to the world champions.

"It was crazy to play such an important game in an empty stadium," said Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.

"But that doesn't take away from what the team did. It was a very difficult series. We wanted this victory because we know what it means for the country."

New Zealand Lions coach Warren Gatland had made six changes for this "beautiful", including four in the back lines, while the Springboks were deprived of two of their centerpieces, the third line Pieter-Steph du Toit, designated best player in the world in 2019, and scrum half Faf de Klerk, both injured.

"I'm very proud of the efforts the guys put in today," Gatland said after the game.

"I think we were daring. It was a tough, physical game. We knew it wouldn't be easy, away from home, against the world champions."

South African captain Siya Kolisi after the victory against the Lions on August 7, 2021 in Cape Town PHILL MAGAKOE AFP

Four Top 14 players wore the South African jersey on Saturday: the 100% Montpellier hinge Cobus Reinach-Handré Pollard, Toulouse winger Cheslin Kolbe and Toulon second row Eben Etzebeth.

The Lions' Southern Hemisphere Tour takes place every four years, alternating between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

© 2021 AFP