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."

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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.

The four-time champions fought back and almost snatched the game at the death, with Cullen revisiting late refereeing decisions that cost his side in the 37-34 defeat last May.

A year on, he defended his side, who had previously never beaten three-time champions Toulon, and said he always expects a Champions Cup semi-final to "never go to script".

"Naturally [in the last 10 minutes] you try and protect things, don't you? Whereas the other team they don't have protection and throw everything at it," he added.

"We were sitting in this room this time last year. We were in that situation and we were throwing everything at Northampton. [Henry] Pollock gets a poach – it should have been a penalty.

"It's clearly illegal, but nobody wants to report about it after. We should have had a penalty try and nobody wants to report about it. You just want to kick the boot into us, don't you? But that's the way it goes.

"Semi-finals come down to the tightest of margins. In 2012, Wesley Fofana knocked the ball over the tryline and that is how we [Leinster] got to the final.

"I would be kind to Toulon as they showed great spirit to the very end."

Leinster will travel to Bilbao for the final on Saturday, 23 May, where they will face last year's champions Bordeaux-Begles or Bath, who play on Sunday.

Cullen confirmed centre Robbie Henshaw and flanker Josh van der Flier, who left the field with head injuries, will undergo the graduated return-to-play protocol.

Flanker Jack Conan limped off and "will get checked", with Tommy O'Brien said to be likely suffering from cramp.

All four are important players for Cullen as Leinster seek a fifth Champions Cup in three weeks' time.