Jacques Nienaber providing ‘clearer understanding’ at Leinster after language barrier resulted in ‘clunky’ messages
Leinster defence guru Jacques Nienaber and head coach Leo Cullen.
Jacques Nienaber is beginning to make “progress” with the Leinster rearguard after the South African revealed that his messages weren’t getting through properly to the players.
The double Rugby World Cup-winner joined the Irish province following last year’s global tournament success and immediately looked to develop their defensive structure.
With Nienaber bringing both technical expertise and a winning mentality, there was hope within Dublin that Leinster would end their barren trophy streak.
However, they once again failed to lift either the United Rugby Championship or Champions Cup in 2024, meaning that they have not tasted success since claiming the PRO14 in 2021.
Nienaber recently stated that the Leinster players have asked for “simpler messages”, with the ex-Springboks coach insisting that the confusion came due to the fact that English is his second language.
The caveat
Head coach Leo Cullen also added the caveat that by this point in 2023, the 51-year-old was still in the midst of South Africa’s successful World Cup campaign,
“This time last year Jacques hadn’t arrived,” Cullen said. “His World Cup was going on. It was interesting watching back at that Round 6 game [against Munster on November 25] last season because you tend to forget that Jacques arrived the week after.
“There is a lot clearer understanding having had that pre-season. We’re making progress, guys are working hard and there is a deeper understanding there, but it is still such early days. We just need to keep adding parts to our game.
“We’re moving along in the right direction.”
Jacques Nienaber hints at reviving waterboy gig after Leinster players request ‘simpler messages’
Caelan Doris agreed with Cullen’s assessment over the defence and Nienaber’s impact, with the Leinster captain seeing progress in that area of the game.
“Yeah, I think there’s more understanding in what we want to do, there’s more clarity within it and our work-rate,” Doris said.
“Even if they do want to beat us out wide, our want to scramble hard for each other has improved definitely off the back of last year. It’s still by no means perfect but yeah, improved on last year.”
Looking ahead
Leinster were impressive on both sides of the ball as they comfortably defeated Munster 26-12 in front of 80,000 people at Croke Park on Saturday.
However, they are not basking in the glory of getting one over on their arch-rivals, knowing that this weekend’s encounter with Connacht could be just as challenging.
“The group is motivated but it is round four. There are six games in this window. Can we win all of them? The next thing is the Sportsground, which is such a tough place to go, dealing with conditions on the day… We are getting into winter rugby around now,” Cullen said.
“And then deal with what the opposition throw at you. Connacht have so many with such a strong Leinster connection. They know our group so well and they are very motivated when they come up against us so it’s going to be a right handful.
“They have shown really good form in the first few rounds.”
