Jacques and drill up a hill

ROBBIE HENSHAW says that Leinster’s players will lean on their World Cup winning coach this week in a bid to get themselves over the line on the big occasion.

Jacques Nienaber was a key figure for South Africa in their back to back World Cup successes in Japan and France.

At France 2023, the Springboks prevailed by the narrowest margin in the quarter-final against the hosts, the semifinal against England and final against New Zealand. Nienaber’s defensive structures had so much to do with that.

“Listen, the physicality is part of the challenge,” said Henshaw.

“We know the likes of Botia, Skelton, Atonio, Danty – they’re all coming straight for us, and I think that’s a challenge I relish and all the lads relish.

“We love getting stuck in and I think our point of difference this year is our defence. Our defence will be tested but we’re looking forward to it.”

This is the area that Leinster are looking for the most improvement in as they bid to put a stop of back to back champions La Rochelle’s dominance in knockout matches.

Henshaw praises Nienaber’s (above) hands-on coaching, his reviewing of games and previewing of opposition – and the overall energy and positivity he has brought to the set-up.

“He has everything for you as a player there for you playswise, what he thinks they’re going to play against us this week etc,” said the 30-year-old.

“His work ethic and his energy are unbelievable.

“Especially this week we’ll be hugely looking – not relying – but asking him what it takes and he has given us definitely plenty of his experiences of his learnings since he has been here, of how the big games work and how they’re won.

“So we’ll be definitely using his tools there.”