A week on from their Champions Cup final loss, Jacques Nienaber's impact at Leinster has become a major topic of discussion.
It was thought that the South African was brought to the province in order to help get them over the line in the big games, an area he excelled in during his time with the Springboks. However, that did not come to fruition against Toulouse.
Leinster's defence held up well in London, although some have questioned if their new defensive system has had a negative impact on their attacking output. They certainly have not been the attacking juggernaut that they have been in previous seasons during the 2023/24 campaign.
As well as that, his role as waterboy during last weekend's game has caused some debate.
READ HERE: Jackman Shares Eyebrow-Raising Stat That Asks Questions Of Leinster's Strategy v Toulouse
Ronan O'Gara questions Leinster use of Jacques Nienaber
Jacques Nienaber would act as waterboy for the second half of the match against Toulouse, something that allowed him to have direct contact with the players on the pitch.
Leinster exploited a loophole in the current World Rugby laws in order to carry out this process, although some have questioned as to why this was allowed to take place.
Writing in his column for the Irish Examiner, Ronan O'Gara would question the rule that allowed a coach of Nienaber's importance to fill such a role.
It was beautifully played. [Nienaber] went from upstairs in the first half into the lead role after half time. Incredibly powerful, but the masterstroke was from Leinster first day to have the foresight to not name a World Cup-winning coach as head coach or director of rugby, and have him instead as a senior coach.
It was a ploy trademarked by the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus but where is the consistency in the rules? Or are we down to name-calling?
I got pulled up for it against the Stormers when I was removed from the pitchside – not the pitch, the pitch-side. Talk about inconsistency of rules application.
You certainly get the sense that Leinster may have handed Nienaber the title of 'senior coach' with this rule in mind.
South Africa used a similar tactic during the Lions tour to the country in 2021, something that led directly to World Rugby introducing the laws that are currently in place.
SEE ALSO: An All-Time Irish Rugby XV With No Two Players From The Same County
