Jacques Nienaber, once a tactician for the Springboks and now pulling the strings at Leinster, is quick to dispel any myths that his team's missing star power will see them keel over easily in their Vodacom URC season kick-off in Cape Town against the Stormers. Despite a roster not brimming with its usual international flair, Nienaber's confidence in his squad is unwavering.
After a grueling year on the international circuit, Leinster has opted to rest numerous key players. Yet, Nienaber, ever the strategist, remains bullish about his squad’s prospects. "It is important for us, as a team and players, to understand that we are not entitled to any trophies. It is something we must work hard for," he asserted during a press conference in Cape Town.
"Because we are determined, we are not entitled to trophies. It is something we must work hard for."
Leinster, fresh off a victory that quenched a four-year thirst for silverware by trouncing the Vodacom Bulls in last season's finale, are not resting on their laurels. Nienaber is clear: no complacency will be tolerated. The Irish powerhouse is set to face the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium, followed by a clash with the Bulls in Pretoria, with Nienaber relishing the back-to-back challenges in South Africa. "We have a fairly exciting start with two games in South Africa. Our first four games this season are against teams that featured in the playoffs last season. I am very excited to see where we are at this stage of the season," he commented.
Despite the diluted lineup, Nienaber highlighted the blend of youth and experience shaping up this season's squad. "There was a player who worked with us after he had just finished school. There is another player with more than 200 caps for Leinster. You have these young players who are excited to be there, like sponges, and the older players who were educating them on how things work at Leinster," he explained. This mix, according to him, promises a team bursting with potential and eagerness.
While acknowledging the absence of top-tier players, Nienaber is optimistic about the team’s composition. "We don’t have the privilege to select our best side, but this is the best of the available players and an exciting team." With the stage set in Cape Town, Leinster is ready to prove that even a team not at full strength can deliver performances worth watching.