Lions in front at half-time in Loftus Versfeld

A superb first half performance underpinned by the brilliance of full-back Rob Kearney sees the Lions lead the Springboks by 16 points to 8 at half time in the second Test in Pretoria.

Imperious under the high ball, Kearney scored a 6th minute try that Stephen Jones converted, having earlier added a penalty, to give the Lions the perfect start.

JP Pietersen opened the Boks account five minutes later but Ruan Pienaar missed the conversion and as the Lions continued to dominate, Jones added a penalty and then a drop goal for a well deserved 16-5 lead.

Francois Steyn landed a late penalty to leave his side trailing 16-8 at the break.

Lions: Robert Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Roberts, Luke Fitzgerald; Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, 4 Simon Shaw, Paul O’Connell capt; Tom Croft, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Ross Ford Andrew Sheridan, A-W Jones, Martyn Williams, Harry Ellis, Ronan O’Gara, S Williams.

South Africa: Frans Steyn; JP Pietersen,  Adi Jacobs,  Jean de Villiers,  Bryan Habana;  Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, John Smit capt; Bakkies Botha,Victor Matfield; Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies. Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Deon Carstens, Andries Bekker, Danie Rossouw, Heinrich Brussow, Jaque Fourie, Morne Steyn.