'Not allowed to breathe': Rival URC coach defends under-fire Jacques Nienaber after Leinster's loss

Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys has defended rival Leinster defence coach Jacques Nienaber ahead of their URC quarter-final clash this weekend.

Nienaber has become a scapegoat of sorts after Leinster’s heavy 41-19 loss in the European final to Bordeaux, with corners of Irish media and fans blaming Nienaber’s aggressive defensive system as a key reason why.

Redelinghuys came to the defence of the ex-Springbok head coach while speaking with media ahead of the quarter-final clash, pointing the mirror back on the Irish supporters who don’t see his “value” or appreciate him.

Munster coach Clayton McMillan discusses his team’s prospect ahead of a URC quarterfinal trip to Loftus Versfeld

Munster coach Clayton McMillan discusses his team’s prospect ahead of a URC quarterfinal trip to Loftus Versfeld

“Everything is Jacques’ fault, it’s terrible to see,” Redelinghuys said.

“We all know the quality coach he is and the value he adds. It seems the people on this side do not appreciate it. In the team, they do, but it doesn’t look like the Irish supporters do, with all the things you see and hear and how they throw him under the bus by blaming him.

“Apparently, he is not allowed to breathe in the coaching box. There are a lot of ugly things.

“However, we’ve worked with him and know what he can do and who he is. We do not doubt the quality he brings to Leinster, but it doesn’t look like the Irish appreciate him.”

Nienaber joined Leinster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup but the Irish heavyweights have not been able to win their fifth European crown, finishing as runners up twice with the South African assistant. They lost the final twice in a row to La Rochelle before his arrival in 2022 and 2023.

However, last season Leinster did become URC champions with their first title since the South Africans joined the expanded competition, winning their first title since the 2021 Pro14 championship.

Leinster have won four of the last five against the Lions as they look to begin their run towards consecutive URC finals. The last clash between the two teams was only three weeks ago, where Leinster comfortably beat them by 31-7.