Leinster legend reveals why Irish media dropped the ball on Jacques Nienaber
To depict Jacques Nienaber as a ‘polarising’ figure in Ireland is accurate, on the surface of it.
However, when you dig a bit deeper, you will find he has more supporters on the Emerald Isle than the picture painted by some members of the media.
Yes, many outlets do heavily criticise Nienaber’s defensive system and stigmatise him as hurting Leinster and Ireland’s attacking DNA.
The media’s intense attacks on the double World Cup-winning former Springbok coach have become highly personal.
One columnist abominably described Nienaber’s appointment as a ‘deal with the devil‘ that is ‘killing Irish rugby’.
However, some of the more informed analysts and former players have publicly defended Nienaber.
One such pundit is Leinster legend Isa Nacewa, who, over two spells with the Irish province, won four European Cups and captained the team to a Champions Cup and Pro14 double in his final season.
He said the players love Jacques Nienaber.
The 43-year-old, who kicked the match-winning penalty in Leinster’s 15–12 victory over Racing 92, in the Champions Cup Final in May 2018, for a record-equalling fourth win as a player in the competition, added that it is Nienaber’s attention to detail that has won them over.
Nacewa said the players love Nienaber’s intent and his experience.
(WATCH as Leinster legend Isa Nacewa explains what the real value is that Jacques Nienaber brought to the Irish province…..)
“The Leinster team and coaches have always evolved,” Nacewa told Rugby365 ahead of the United Rugby Championship Final at Páirc an Chrócaigh in Dublin.
“The coaching group has changed, and they are always seeking new ideas from different environments,” he added.
“It [evolving] has been part of the Leinster fabric for a long time, and especially under Leo Cullen for the last eight years.”
He said any coaching team is always looking for that ‘edge’ in the game.
“With every coaching team, there is always an evolution, and it doesn’t always click first-up,” he told Rugby365.
“The players speak very highly of Jacques, the detail and seniority he has brought into the fold.
“There is a lot of noise around what it has done to the Leinster DNA, but they are still making finals, and they are there at the right end of the season.”
Nacewa said any ‘evolution’ will have its ups and downs, and Nienaber added to the team.
“The players really respect what he has brought to the team.”
@JanDKrugby
@rugby365com
