Cullen says media 'just want to kick boot into us'
New Zealand's Rieko Ioane (celebrating) has been criticised for his consistency since arriving at Leinster, but delivered an impressive display against Toulon [Getty Images] Leinster boss Leo Cullen says the media "love throwing the boot in" at the Irish province after his side saw off a late fightback from Toulon to reach another Investec Champions Cup final. Last year's shock semi-final loss to Northampton Saints in Dublin denied Leinster a fourth straight final in a competition they have not won since 2018. In the final 11 minutes against Toulon on Saturday, Leinster saw an 18-point lead cut to just four, with the French side almost completing a sensational comeback but denied by a cover tackle from New Zealand back Rieko Ioane.
Cullen's side, who narrowly lost three straight finals from 2022-2024 to French opposition, have not been at their usual high standards during this year's tournament but savoured the 29-25 win. "You would love everyone to get behind the team now," Leinster's director of rugby said post-match. "When you are up against juggernauts of the game, it is not easy doing it.
"You see the other Irish provinces, we are the only ones left in the competition. The group will continue to do what they do, it is not always pretty. "We are up against some serious teams here.
It is insanely hard to win this competition. "You guys [the media] love throwing the boot at us, don't you? You guys love throwing the boot in when things don't go well.
"Whatever sells, you read plenty of it. The courage the players showed, it is a testament. " Leinster survive Toulon scare to reach Champions Cup final Spencer returns but Bath missing Ojomoh & Cokanasiga Arundell on long route to Bath's big day and hometown glory Ioane, known for his attacking game, delivered a standout defensive performance on Saturday [Getty Images] Cullen and Leinster, who had comfortably cruised through the tournament last season, came under intense scrutiny after Northampton's fast start saw them take a 12-point lead at half-time.