Bernard Jackman: Jacques Nienaber effect has Leinster playing like 'psychos'

Bernard Jackman believes Jacques Nienaber has changed the mentality of Leinster's squad since his arrival 12 months ago, with the province now playing like "psychos" since buying into his defence-first strategy.

The double World Cup-winning coach arrived at the province in December 2023, working alongside Leo Cullen as senior coach, and the defensive specialist has implemented his aggressive defence onto Cullen’s squad.

While it was evident in patches during the second half of last season, Leinster’s defence has been watertight this season, giving up just 130 points through their opening 11 games in all competitions, with Edinburgh and Ulster being the only sides to have scored more than 12 points against them in a single game.

In recent weeks, that defence has become even more aggressive. Since getting their Ireland internationals back for the Champions Cup, they have conceded 12, 7, 12 and 7 points in consecutive games, with Munster the latest team who have struggled to break them down.

As well as playing an aggressive, in-your-face defensive line, Leinster are also competing hard at breakdowns in their attempts to knock their opponents off stride, and Jackman says the players appear to be buying fully into the teachings of their South African coach.

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"It’s just been fascinating, the game model they have, how they have bought into it. The Nienaber effect is phenomenal," he told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"He’s turned south county Dublin players into proper psychos. There’s an edge to