Leinster broke their three game losing streak against La Rochelle yesterday afternoon, with a 16-9 win at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
The game was played in abysmal conditions with both sides making a number of errors, while also trying to gain the upper hand in the kicking game in order to control territory.
What separated the sides, however, was not only Leinster's superior line out, but their immense defensive effort, that prevented La Rochelle's enormous unit from getting their usual amount of go-forward ball, and kept them try less.
It begged the question whether Leinster had merely evolved themselves, or had the newly arrived Jacques Nienaber been able to weave his magic despite his short time at the club?
Speaking with Leinster TV, co-captain James Ryan provided an answer:
We had to play a different type of rugby, it wasn’t the night to play 'Leinster rugby' in.
We had to play in the right areas and be strong at set-piece. Thankfully we did enough in the end.
When you are playing away in the Champions Cup, away in France, I think it’s your defence that wins you the game.
Jacques made a big impact since he’s come in. It was great, the lads really enjoyed defending out there for each other, hugely satisfying.
READ HERE: Warburton Urges Leinster To Sign Departing Munster Lock
READ HERE: Ciarán Frawley Fooled Everyone With Insane Kick To Help Leinster End La Rochelle Hoodoo
10 December 2023; Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber looks on before the Investec Champions Cup match between La Rochelle and Leinster at Stade Marcel Deflandre in La Rochelle, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
"Sale are a seriously good team so [with] a six-day turnaround the emphasis is getting home and recovering quickly," Ryan added.
"We’ve got make sure we are physically and mentally ready to go again in six days."
Leinster take on Sale Sharks next Saturday at the RDS (kick-off, 5.30pm).
SEE ALSO: 'I Thought It Was Leinster Who Were Going To Collapse': Ronan O'Gara On La Rochelle's Loss
