Springbok legend and Lions coach defend Leinster scapegoat Jacques Nienaber

The Irish giants fell at the final hurdle for the fourth time in the last five years in the Champions Cup final on Saturday, this time becoming Bordeaux's most recent victim.

While one game ends, the blame game picks up moments after the final whistle and the wake of Leinster's defeat has been no different. Double World Cup winner Jacques Nienaber - who was good enough to be signed by Leinster after his exploits on the biggest stage - often becomes the target of criticism.

Nienaber is in charge of defence, but Matfield believes the Springboks' suffocating defence he was hired to emulate at Leinster is missing one vital ingredient: physicality. And that's certainly not Nienaber's fault.  

"Whenever Leinster fall behind, it's because of Jacques, you can just hear it's the defensive system," said Matfield on the Rugby Rivals podcast.

"I was in the studio on Saturday and we were talking about why it, and why that defensive system from outside in, shutting down, no more than two passes, only works for South Africa, but Leinster are not really getting there.

"We really believe it's just that physicality. With a Springbok team, every time they make a tackle, they kill the ball right there. It's slow ball and they can get into space again.

"Unfortunately, with Leinster, although they're there for the first few phases, they don't slow the ball down. So it's quick ball, one cleanout at the ruck and Bordeaux had people on their feet. If you want to defend like that, you need the physicality as well."

Lions assistant coach Redelinghuys also went out on a limb to support his fellow South African. The Lions are preparing for a blockbuster United Rugby Championship quarterfinal against Leinster this Saturday night in Dublin.

"Everything is Jacques' fault, it's terrible to see," quipped Redelinghuys ahead of the clash.

"We all know the quality coach he is and the value he adds. It seems the people on this side do not appreciate it. In the team, they do, but it doesn't look like the Irish supporters do, with all the things you see and hear and how they throw him under the bus by blaming him.

"Apparently, he is not allowed to breathe in the coaching box. There are a lot of ugly things. However, we've worked with him and know what he can do and who he is. We do not doubt the quality he brings to Leinster, but it doesn't look like the Irish appreciate him."

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