England battled their way to a 25-10 final Test victory over South Africa at Newlands on Saturday.
The visiting side had to rely on the boot of Owen Farrell to secure the win, and while it was a better performance from England, the Springboks were largely to blame after conceding 14 penalties.
Elton Jantjies had the chance to put the hosts ahead via a penalty kick themselves within the first five minutes, but the fly-half fired his attempt notably wide from 35 yards out.
Less than three minutes later England were gifted a similar opportunity themselves after referee Glen Jackson penalised the Springboks, of which Farrell coolly converted.
The rest of the first half lacked the intensity which flooded the previous two Tests, with both sides opting for the high ball in attempts to gain territory.
However, England's forwards did put up a far more successful effort in comparison to the last two fixtures, and were engaged in a gruelling battle of attrition and power from the get-go.
Tom Curry's work at the breakdown in the 26th minute was proof of England's slight improvement, winning Eddie Jones' side a penalty in a useful attacking area before Eillot Daly's attempted kick for the corner went straight out the back of the in-goal area.
South Africa did have a sniff at a try towards the end of the first half after Jesse Kriel and Sibusiso Nkosi combined at pace down the right flank, but Jonny May's superb defensive pick-up and boot into touch ensured the visitors didn't concede a five points.
England were awarded another penalty just before half-time which Farrell converted, but Jantjies returned fire for the hosts with their own last-minute kick as well, ensuring they trailed just 3-6 at the break.
After the interval, England briefly restored their six-point lead, again via the boot of Farrell after South Africa were penalised for a collapsing scrum.
But that cushion lasted for approximately 60 seconds after Kriel collected Aphiwe Dyantyi's kick beyond May and touched down for the first try of the game. Jantjies then added the extras.
England benefited from even more kickable penalty opportunities after Kriel's try in the second half, with Farrell adding 14 points from the tee throughout the duration of the final 40.
Despite a tight first 60 minutes, the visitors started to dominate towards the back end of the game, waiting until the last 10 minutes to play their best rugby.
Danny Cipriani marked his return to the England XV with a outstanding kick into the South Africa corner which was met by a romping Jonny May who touched down for the try in the 72nd minute.
In the end, it was an improved performance from England who left it late to really stamp their authority, while South Africa played like a team who had already secured the overall series win.