‘He really inspires you’ – Jacques Nienaber’s immediate impact at Leinster

Ireland loose forward Josh van der Flier has been inspired by Leinster’s new senior coach Jacques Nienaber despite being omitted from the Irish province’s starting XV recently.

Leinster selected Will Connors ahead of Van der Flier as the starting openside flanker for this month’s Champions Cup opener against reigning champions La Rochelle.

Disappointed to be dropped

Leinster beat La Rochelle 16-9 on December 15 and defeated Sale Sharks 37-27 on Saturday after Van der Flier returned to the starting XV in the absence of the ill Connors.

“I suppose it was disappointing not starting against La Rochelle,” said Van der Flier, reflecting on the team selection for La Rochelle.

“They told me the plan, and I completely understood it and was kind of happy to be in a position to come on and put a bit of impact into the game.

“I was delighted to be on the field, to be able to win that game as well.

“It’s a very, very competitive group. It is a very competitive position at the moment, it always has been. Each of us know we have to be at our best – and it brings out the best in each other.”

Nienaber joined Leinster earlier this month after leading South Africa to a record fourth Rugby World Cup title in France earlier this year. He was also with the Springboks for 2019’s Rugby World Cup title win in Japan.

“Jacques is brilliant. One thing about him, it’s hard to describe it really, I find he really inspires you. I’d be going into a game wanting to defend for him. He’s a really inspirational person in that way,” added Van der Flier.

“The amount of work he puts in is incredible. I’ve had a few glimpses at his laptop when he’s been showing me things, and he puts a huge amount of work into defence and goes into the tiniest details.

“It’s brilliant to have him in. Another part of it is he obviously brings all the experience from two World Cup-winning teams and he’s got a lot of wisdom in that way as well.”

Leinster will meet Munster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on 26 December at Thomond Park in Limerick. Munster are the reigning URC champions and currently occupy fourth position on this season’s points table. Leinster are sitting pretty at the top of the standings.

“I think it’s a great occasion. The crowd is always on good form, always fairly fired up by the time it gets to it,” concluded van der Flier.

“It’s actually nice because if I’m off, I’ll eat as much as I can on Christmas day – and if I’m not off, you’re carb-loading for the game, so you also eat as much as you want for Christmas day.

“So I don’t think it will affect me too much. Either way, I love playing the game, so hopefully, I’ll play.”

READ MORE: The mouth-watering salary offered to Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok