VIDEO: Kolisi reveals the true value of Nienaber the coach

There is a saying: ‘You will only know the true value of something once it is gone.’

That looks set to be the case of Leinster-bound South African coach Jacques Nienaber, who will be in charge of the Springboks for the last time when they face the All Blacks in the World Cup Final in Paris on Saturday.

Nienaber, 51, was the target of much derision and ridicule, even some vile vituperation during his three years as head coach of the country’s national team.

The qualified physiotherapist did not start out to be a coach when he worked for the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs in that capacity from 1997.

Nienaber moved to Cape Town to join his close friend Rassie Erasmus at the Stormers, where he ‘converted’ to a defence coach and analyst.

That relationship, which started in their days as national servicemen in the military, grew into the strong bond that saw them take the Springboks to a third World Cup crown in 2019 – with Erasmus as head coach and Nienaber the defence expert.

In 2020, just before COVID threw the world into turmoil, Erasmus dropped the ‘coach’ title and formally started ‘working’ as a Director of Rugby.

Nienaber then became the head coach.

It was not till 2021 that he was able to take charge of his first Test, even though Erasmus stayed very much involved in the onfield preparations of the Springboks.

On Saturday the duo will finally ‘part ways’ – Nienaber heading to Ireland and Erasmus returning to his office at Plattekloof in Cape Town.

When iconic Bok captain Siya Kolisi was asked about the ‘value’ of Nienaber, he set off on the three-minute monologue about the true value of Nienaber the coach and Nienaber the human being.

* Below is that speech in Kolisi’s own words!

Transcribed: Kolisi on Nienaber

“I was 18 years old. I was contracted with the Cheetahs. I got out [of that contract] and then I was able to go to Western Province.

“That is when I met Jacques [Nienaber], when I got to the [Western Province Rugby] Institute.

“He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province Academy.

“That is where our foundation as a group [was laid].

“Eben [Etzebeth] was there, Frans Malherbe was there. A number of other guys who played professionally were there,” he said of the institute.

“When Jacques and the other coaches came, it was the full contact – they called of ‘koppe-stamp’ [full-on head-to-head].

“[In those sessions] you had two show who you are.

“Every time they came it was intense.

“I got to know him then already and as I went on he became my senior coach.

“One thing I love about him is, he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field.

“He got to know me, my family, and why I do what I do.

“He speaks to us as a team – him and coach Rassie] with human courtesy.

“They didn’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is.

“He goes on who am I playing for? What is driving us?

“He knows my kids by name and asks me how I am doing as a person.

“That is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township.

“He tries to bring him out of me, every time I play.

“For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.

“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player.

“That’s what he brings to this team.

“And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around.

“I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment.

“I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him.

“The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out.

“He is always honest.

“I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.

“It was tough when he went away [to Munster] for two years.

“When he returned, we just clicked. We didn’t have to get to know each other again.

“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] changed things, because they love the country.

“Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky to have him.

“The amount of work he puts in, the detail they get in, it makes life so much easier.

“All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there.

“He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband.

“I will always be thankful.

“When I first met him I couldn’t tackle. After that year, of playing ‘koppe-stamp’ every day, I had to learn how to tackle.”

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