Former Springbok coach blamed for Ireland woes

Former Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has enjoyed great success since leaving South Africa after the 2023 World Cup to join up with leading Ireland club Leinster, who are undefeated and top of the URC log.

By all accounts, Nienaber has been a perfect fit at Leinster, and deserves huge credit for the success he has had once again in a new environment.

Yet, it comes at a time when Ireland endured a disappointing finish to the Six Nations, which saw them suffer a heavy defeat to France before battling past Italy in their final fixture.

And with Ireland ultimately failing in their bid to become the first side to win three titles in a row during the Six Nations era, there has been a search for some ‘scapegoats’. No one could have predicted that Nienaber would be dragged into this conversation, but alas, that is exactly what has happened.

Most of the Ireland team comes from the Leinster set-up, and former Irish superstar Brian O’Driscoll believes that there has been a disconnect since the arrival of Nienaber, who is renowned for his blitz defence.

“It doesn’t feel as though that certainty is there anymore… I do think the change of system at Leinster over the last couple of seasons has impacted the national team as well because they’re not defending in a similar way.

“They’re looking for big line speed but none of that doubling under stuff that we’re seeing from a lot of those Leinster players.”

YOU CAN HEAR MORE ABOUT HOW JACQUES NIENABER HAS BEEN DRAGGED INTO THE IRELAND DEBATE BELOW:

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THESE COMMENTS?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.