Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has hit back at critics, claiming the media "love throwing the boot in" at his side after they held off a dramatic late Toulon fightback to book their place in another Investec Champions Cup final.

Saturday's 29-25 victory in the semi-final was far from straightforward for the Irish province. Leading by 18 points with just 11 minutes remaining, Leinster watched their advantage evaporate as Toulon mounted a ferocious comeback, cutting the deficit to just four points. The French side came within inches of completing a stunning turnaround, only to be denied by a heroic cover tackle from New Zealand back Rieko Ioane.

The win marks a return to the final for Leinster, who have endured a frustrating run in recent years. After suffering narrow defeats in three consecutive finals from 2022 to 2024—all against French opposition—last season's shock semi-final loss to Northampton Saints in Dublin was a particularly bitter pill to swallow. The four-time champions have not lifted the trophy since 2018.

Cullen, visibly relieved after the tense finish, used his post-match press conference to address the growing scrutiny surrounding his team. "You would love everyone to get behind the team now," he said. "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."

The director of rugby didn't hold back when discussing media criticism. "You guys love throwing the boot at us, don't you? You 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."

This season has been a different challenge for Leinster compared to their dominant campaign last year, when they cruised through the tournament before their shock exit. The Northampton defeat, where the English side raced to a 12-point half-time lead, subjected Cullen and his squad to intense scrutiny. Leinster fought back bravely and almost snatched victory at the death, with Cullen later revisiting controversial refereeing decisions that he felt cost his side in the 37-34 loss.

A year on, Cullen defended his team's resilience. "We are up against some serious teams here. It is insanely hard to win this competition," he added. The victory over Toulon was particularly significant, as Leinster had never previously beaten the three-time champions.

With the final now on the horizon, Leinster will be hoping to convert their experience into silverware—and perhaps earn a little more respect along the way.