How Leinster’s win over Munster had Jacques Nienaber’s fingerprints all over it
Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber.
Leinster lock Joe McCarthy admits the team’s defensive efforts and the impact of the bench proved critical in their hard-fought 9-3 win over rivals Munster.
It was a gruelling battle in difficult conditions but the Dublin side came out on the right side of the scoreline again making it back-to-back wins against Munster.
Influence is showing
The influence of the 2023 Rugby World Cup winning coach and now Leinster’s senior Jacques Nienaber is already showing at the club with elevated line-speed and the willingness to pick a 6-2 split typical of the South African’s rugby philosophy.
After having gone the last couple of seasons without a trophy and losing some tight games Leinster were delighted to get another win under their belt in a big clash.
“It is hugely satisfying – our last few encounters with Munster have been one score games and we knew it was going to be tight,” he said.
“It is a real tough crowd and tough atmosphere. We’re delighted to get it over the line.”
The clash between sides at the end of November was also a close one with only five points in it with McCarthy admitting it is one of the matchups they always have to dig deep for.
“We really enjoyed it – it was exactly the challenge we wanted,” McCarthy said.
“It seems to be every game against Munster. We had to dig deep. It’s probably not pretty to watch but we are just thrilled to have gotten the win.”
🔵 LEINSTER WIN AT THOMOND PARK ONCE AGAIN! #URC #MUNvLEI pic.twitter.com/eG1rpy9fFQ
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) December 26, 2023
Late impact
The second-row revealed that he thought the difference was made by the 6-2 split on the bench with the replacement forwards bringing real impact to the game.
“Our line defence is huge – you saw the impact the bench made,” he explained.
“Eddie (Ed Byrne), TC (Thomas Clarkson), Jase (Jason Jenkins), and Will (Connors). The 6-2 split made a massive difference in the end so I’m delighted for those guys.”
It does not get much easier for Leinster with their next clash another derby as they host Ulster on New Year’s Day.
