Ireland fullback Rob Kearney concedes he has slipped behind Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny in their Lions duel after struggling to showcase his attacking skills in the Six Nations.

The Celtic rivals are expected to embark on the tour to Australia but it is Halfpenny who has a potentially unassailable lead in the race to win the number 15 jersey for the Test series.

The 24-year-old’s goalkicking and successive man of the match displays against France and Italy have been instrumental in hauling Wales into title contention heading into the final weekend.

Kearney won three Lions caps in South Africa four years ago, but could yet miss out on the tour altogether should coach Warren Gatland prefer Scotland’s Stuart Hogg.

Events have conspired against the 2012 European player of the year, who has been playing in a team decimated by injury against opposition that have worked out it is best to keep the ball out of his hands.

“Leigh’s goalkicking alone has made him the standout fullback of the Six Nations. Wales have won a huge amount of games with his kicking skills,” Kearney said.

“For me it’s quite frustrating because receiving kicks was always a great way to get into games, get some ball and display my strengths.

“That’s something I’ve definitely struggled with throughout this campaign.”

Saturday’s clash with Italy presents a final chance to impress Gatland on the international stage, but the 26-year-old believes the Kiwi will look beyond the Six Nations to inform his opinion.

Ireland enter the final weekend locked in a three-way battle to escape a first wooden spoon since 1998, although victory could be enough to seal a third-place finish.

“My message to the team going to Rome is ‘win’. There’s a big difference between finishing third and finishing sixth. That’s a big jump there,” Kearney said.