Rob Kearney's legendary performance vs Springboks on 2009 Lions tour

Back in 2009 former Ireland international Rob Kearney produced one of the greatest ever performances from a full back in Test match history.

The then 23-year-old played in all three Test matches on the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa but it was the second game at Loftus Versfeld which he starred in.

Kearney was impeccable under the constant high balls launched by South Africa in Pretoria and he also scored the Lions’ only try of the match to take the tourists into half time 8-16 up.

The Irishman was also instrumental with his kicking from open play and regularly pinned back the Springboks deep inside their own half and while the Lions fell short through a late Morne Steyn penalty, Kearney’s performance is one for the history books.

Now 35, Kearney is playing Super Rugby AU for the Western Force and throughout his illustrious career the veteran earned 95 caps for Ireland plus the three Test appearances for the Lions in 2009.