Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has delivered the critical edge in Leinster’s quest for silverware, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane believes Nienaber has instilled a defensive hunger that matches Leinster’s attacking prowess, turning an already formidable team into something exceptional. 

He highlights the Irish giants’ emphatic Investec Champions Cup knockout victories – last week’s 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16, before Friday night’s 52-0 rout of Franco Smith’s in-form Glasgow Warriors in the quarter-finals at Aviva Stadium.

Keohane notes how Nienaber’s approach has silenced critics like former British & Irish Lions and Leinster skipper Brian O’Driscoll, who initially questioned whether his methods would disrupt Ireland’s internationally-laden squad. 

Instead, Nienaber appears to be solving Leinster’s recent trophy drought after three consecutive Champions Cup finals defeats and three straight Vodacom URC semi-final exits.

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RG Snyman’s renaissance at Leinster receives special mention from Keohane. After injury struggles at Munster, the Bok ‘Viking’ has become a cult figure in Dublin, playing 19 matches this season while developing an unrivalled offloading game.

“Jacques Nienaber and RG Snyman have been at the heart of Leinster’s stunning last fortnight in the Champions Cup,” Keohane writes.

“There has been criticism of Nienaber within the Irish rugby landscape, most prominently from Ireland’s iconic centre and former captain Brian O’Driscoll.

“O’Driscoll’s outspoken view is being drummed out each time Leinster do the dirty of quality opponents, as they have done in the last 16 and quarter-finals of the Champions Cup.

“Nienaber’s influence is showing and he has provided a coaching edge that is the difference between settling for silver or winning gold.”

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