‘You guys love throwing the boot at us’ – Leinster’s Cullen criticises media

Cullen says media ‘just want to kick boot into us’Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, New Zealand’s Rieko Ioane (celebrating) has been criticised for his consistency since arriving at Leinster, but delivered an impressive display against ToulonByAlastair TelferBBC Sport journalistPublished23 minutes agoLeinster 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 stated 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