Leo Cullen took aim at the media after Leinster booked their place in the Investec Champions Cup final with a tense 29-25 victory over Toulon at the Aviva Stadium.
The normally measured Leinster boss cut a frustrated figure in his post-match press conference, accusing critics of being too quick to “throw the boot into” his side whenever results go against them.
Cullen’s side appeared in complete control after tries from Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose and captain Caelan Doris opened a commanding lead.
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But Toulon launched a fierce late comeback through tries from Baptiste Serin and Gael Dréan to leave Leinster clinging on during a nervy finish.
Cullen referenced last season’s Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints as he hit back at what he believes has been unfair coverage of Leinster in big matches.
“We were sitting in this room this time last year,” Cullen said.
“We were in that situation and we were throwing everything at Northampton. Pollock gets a poach – it should have been a penalty. Like I said, it’s clearly illegal, but nobody talked about it after. Just wanted to kick the boot into us, don’t you?
“But that’s the way it goes.”
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Cullen doubled down moments later with another pointed swipe at critics.
“Because, listen, you guys love throwing the boot into us when things don’t go well,” he said.
“Well, listen, whatever sells, obviously, because you read plenty of it.”
Despite the late scare, Cullen praised his players for showing the resilience needed to reach a ninth Champions Cup final.
“The courage that the players show, you know, it’s testament to the group,” he said.
Leinster now switch focus back to the Vodacom URC, where they face the Lions next week before preparing for another shot at European glory.
Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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