Yesterday's Champions Cup final against Toulouse was yet another extremely disappointing occasion for Leinster.
They came into the fixture on the back of two successive defeats in European finals, a streak they were desperate to end at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They would go on to put themselves in a position to win the game, only to both a number of excellent try scoring opportunities.
In the end, Toulouse's efficiency off the tee and in defence turned out to be the difference between the sides.
READ HERE: Stephen Jones Suggests Leinster Star Held Team Back During Toulouse Loss
Leinster exploit loophole to allow Jacques Nienaber as waterboy vs Toulouse
One difference in this fixture in comparison to the last two finals was the presence of Jacques Nienaber.
The South African arrived at Leinster earlier this season with the goal of helping the province get over the line during the biggest games of the season. Considering his record with the Springboks, many expected him to have a plan up his sleeve to shock Toulouse yesterday.
Things didn't quite work out that way, with Leinster never really igniting in attack and looking a bit vulnerable in defence at times.
It seemed as though Nienaber was concerned with the way things went in the first half of the game, making the rather unorthodox move of becoming the team's waterboy for the second half. Of course, this allowed him to communicate directly with the players on the pitch.
25 May 2024; Leinster senior coach and water carrier Jacques Nienaber speaks to the players during the Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
This is a move that South Africa have used in the past, most notably when Rassie Erasmus ran the water during the Lions tour to the country in 2021.
However, World Rugby quickly moved to outlaw such incidents. In 2022, they introduced a law that stated “water carriers cannot be a director of rugby or head coach”.
Jacques Nienaber was reportedly questioned by the officials when he appeared on the sideline before the second half, although he was allowed to continue in the role.
As reported by the Telegraph, that comes down to a loophole in the current law.
While a director of rugby or head coach cannot act as a water carrier, Nienaber technically does not fill either of those roles with Leinster. His official title is 'senior coach', with Leo Cullen being the team's head coach.
As a result, there was no rule in place to stop him bringing the water onto the pitch.
Unfortunately for Leinster, it did not have an impact on the result of the game on this occasion.
SEE ALSO: Brian O'Driscoll Feels Same Issue Has Cost Leinster In Yet Another Champions Cup Final
