Former Ireland wing Andrew Trimble has laughed off suggestions that Jacques Nienaber is to blame for Ireland’s recent dip in form.
Ireland’s 36-14 Six Nations defeat to France followed November losses to the All Blacks and Springboks, prompting debate about what has changed since the 2023 World Cup.
Among the theories is that Nienaber’s arrival at Leinster, and the defensive system he has introduced, has disrupted Ireland’s flow.
Former Ireland internationals Rob Kearney and Shane Horgan have been among those pointing fingers at the former Springbok coach.
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Trimble, however, is not buying it.
“It’s so funny, Irish pundits and commentators are scrambling around trying to find someone to blame. If you’re not from Ulster, Jacob Stockdale gets the blame. If you’re from Munster, Sam Prendergast gets the blame,” he said on the Rivals podcast.
“Some people are blaming Jacques Nienaber for Ireland at the weekend, it’s so funny. He’s brought in something which I think is formidable. South Africa have shown that if it is implemented correctly, it’s the best defence in the world. Breakdown pressure with line speed and it just strangles the opposition.”
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Ireland were widely praised for their attacking cohesion before the World Cup, when there was closer alignment with Leinster under Stuart Lancaster. Trimble acknowledged there may be some “confusion” in the current transition, but not to the dramatic extent suggested by critics.
Photo: Shaun Roy / Sportsfile via Getty Images
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