Compiled by GERRY THORNLEY
PROFILES
Terblanche (36) announced himself to the rugby world with a four-try Test debut against Ireland at Bloemfontein 14 years ago next month. Tomorrow marks a fitting career finale for the remarkable 36-year-old, who has defied age and his doubters when effectively called out of retirement by Johann Muller after being released by the Sharks, with his physique, fitness, professionalism and the easy-going way he has bought into the Ulster scene. This amounts to something of a return Oul Blue Eyes farewell tour following his four-year stint with the Ospreys (2003-’07).
Kearney (26) established himself as one of the world’s leading fullbacks when becoming the Lions’ Test 15 in ’09, as the Springboks’ route-one approach via the boot were to the manor born for a player whose supreme aerial skills were honed on Gaelic fields in his formative years. After a dip in form and virtually a year out due to a career-threatening knee injury, Kearney has rebounded in spectacular style. Now the complete package and possibly the best 15 in the world.
STRENGTHS
Terblanche: Secure under the high ball, telling intrusions into the line and varied kicking game, be it huge long punts from deep or an array of shorter, attacking kicks when joining the line. Has an even longer, though understandably scarcely used, place-kicking range than Ruan Pienaar.
Kearney: Has the lot really. As well as his fearlessness, concentration and accuracy under the high ball, he’s almost equally as proficient in chasing restarts and his or team-mates’ high kicks. You almost expect him to win everything in the air. Quick, strong and now a more effective counter-attacker, a propensity to lose his support has been largely eradicated, replaced instead by his eye for space and improved link play. Oh, and has a long-range radar for three-pointers, be it off the tee or drop goals.
LIKELY OUTCOME
Terblanche’s big-game mentality and composure makes it highly likely that his will be an assured, mistake-free performance but, in a contest littered with potential match winners, in his current form Kearney is as likely as anyone to fill that role.
STEFAN TERBLANCHE
DOB: July 2nd, 1975.
Birthplace: Mossel Bay, South Africa.
Height: 1m 87cm.
Weight: 95kg.
Position: Fullback.
South Africa Caps: 37.
ROB KEARNEY
DOB: March 28th 1986.
Birthplace: Dundalk.
Height: 1m 85cm.
Weight: 95kg.
Position: Fullback.
Ireland caps: 38.
INFLUENCE
Terblanche: Exudes calm control at the back, to such an extent that David Humphreys moved heaven and earth to have his initial three-month contract in light of injury to Jarred Payne extended until the end of the season. Terblanche is especially credited for his influence on the in-form Craig Gilroy and Andrew Trimble.
Kearney: It says everything about him that Leinster can accommodate Isa Nacewa on the wing without sacrificing their attacking game such has been Kearney’s well-timed intrusions, be it orthodox out wide or, just as tellingly, closer to the ruck, and his much-improved passing. Kearney has made an amazing 740 metres from 91 carries in eight games, and his six tries have been augmented by a host of try-scoring passes. In other words, he’s become a heads-up player and Leinster’s main game breaker.
