Jacques Nienaber says Leinster were trying new lineout approach against Clermont
Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber says the province’s new approach to the lineout contributed to the mistakes that were made against Clermont last weekend.
In a lacklustre performance, Leinster grinded out a 15-7 win over the French side at the Aviva Stadium, with the lineout heavily criticised for its failings.
In what has been an issue for Leinster and Ireland in recent weeks, Nienaber says Leinster were attempting to speed up their play at the lineout, with new rules in 2025 set to impact the set-piece.
From January 1st, there will be a 30-second shot clock for scrum and lineout setting. Referees will also play on at a lineout if ball not thrown straight but only if lineout is uncontested.
As Leinster prepare for the changes, Nienaber said this led to mistakes at the weekend, as they prepare to face Connacht on Saturday.
“From the 1st of January, there will be some subtle law changes, where to limit the ball out of play time at lineouts will be one of them, and scrums will be under pressure to be done within 30 seconds.
A view of a lineout against Clermont. Photo: INPHO/Ben Brady
“We tried something new and something different in our lineouts that we feel will benefit us going forward. With anytime you try new things out, there is going to be hiccups, and you can see there was a couple of hiccups.
“We wanted to try it out in a big game to see if things work, and obviously get answers. It is important we iron that out and work extremely hard on it.”
With changes coming down the line, Nienabar says it was important Leinster adapted in a big game against a quality side such as Clermont.
“It wasn’t necessarily something we have been trying in training sessions for a couple of weeks. When consequences mean nothing, it is always easy to execute it on the training pitch because there is no consequences if you don’t get it right.
“It was a great learning”. Photo: INPHO/Ben Brady
“It was a great learning. You want to be tested against quality opposition, and if it will work against quality opposition, and where they will find gaps in things you are trying to implement.
“It is now up to us as a group to find solutions to fix that gap.”
With two wins from the opening two games in Europe, and only 19 points conceded against Bristol and Clermont, Leinster’s defence has been dominant in the last two weeks.
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However, for the South African, he is more concerned by finding the right balance in all aspects of Leinster’s game.
“It is no good if we are good in one area. It is trying to find the balance between the defence, the balance between the kicking game and the attack.
“We are very happy with the commitment and the performance, but I don’t think we were as good as we could have been against Clermont. The Bristol performance we were awesome, I don’t think the Clermont performance was up to that standard.
“Yes, we only conceded seven ponts, and one might look at that and say it was brilliant, but I think if you cut deeper into it we weren’t as good as we could have been.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie