Former Leinster captain Isa Nacewa believes the differences between former coach Stuart Lancaster’s defensive system and Jacques Nienaber’s approach have been overstated. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
Nienaber has come in for severe criticism from sections of the Irish media and public for what is perceived to be a change to Leinster’s DNA.
It prompted the former World Cup-winning Springbok coach to recently declare that he does not feel “valued”, amid speculation that he could end his stint at the Irish club before the conclusion of his contract at the end of next season.
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But Nacewa, who won four Investec Champions Cup titles between 2008 and 2018, explained that both Lancaster and Nienaber’s systems are built on aggressive line speed and strong organisation.
“If you think about the Stuart Lancaster defence, it had good width, good spacing, strong decisions around the breakdown, line speed, a 13 in the frontline and two players in the backfield.
“That sounds pretty similar to what Jacques is doing.
“The subtle details are probably different, but overall they’re both systems that rely on loaded front lines and line speed.”
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Nacewa said he has enjoyed watching Leinster evolve under Nienaber.
“Personally, I would have loved to have played under Jacques. I think he’s incredible and I love the pressure his defence puts on teams.”
Nacewa believes change is inevitable at a club that has lost five Champions Cup finals since their last title in the 2017-18 season, including last month’s devastating defeat to Bordeaux Bègles in Bilbao.
“No DNA stays exactly the same when new people come in,” he said. “It naturally evolves.
“When it comes to crunch time, they’re still playing in finals. That tells you they’re doing a lot of things right.”
Photo: Billy Stickland/INPHO
The post Leinster legend hails ‘incredible’ Nienaber appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Leinster captain Isa Nacewa believes the differences between former coach Stuart Lancaster’s defensive system and Jacques Nienaber’s approach have been overstated.
The post Leinster legend hails ‘incredible’ Nienaber appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
