Leinster saw an 18-point lead cut to just four in the final 11 minutes as Toulon almost completed a sensational comeback, but were denied by a cover tackle from Rieko Ioane. The victory puts Leinster into their fourth final in five years, but they have not won the competition since 2018, having lost three straight finals from 2022 to 2024 to French opposition. Leinster director of rugby Leo Cullen accused the media of 'throwing the boot in' at his side, referencing a controversial refereeing decision in last year's semi-final loss to Northampton.
Cullen said the media love throwing the boot at the team when things don't go well, and praised the courage his players showed. He also pointed to a specific incident in last year's semi-final, saying they were throwing everything at Northampton and that a poach should have been a penalty, but nobody reported on it. Cullen added that semi-finals come down to the tightest of margins.
You would love everyone to get behind the team now. 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.
Earlier in the competition, Leinster scored four tries in the last half-hour against a Sale Sharks side missing a host of their best players. Dan Sheehan scored a try in the 10th minute, while George Ford kicked a penalty for Sale from around 40 metres out five minutes before half-time. Sale had two yellow cards, one just before half-time and one early in the second half.
Harry Byrne is now seemingly first-choice 10 for Leinster, and Ryan Baird and Hugo Keenan combined for Leinster's second try against Sale. The win over Sale showcased Leinster's attacking depth, with Byrne orchestrating the backline effectively and the pack providing a solid platform. Despite the injuries to key players, Leinster's squad depth proved decisive, as replacements maintained the intensity.
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. 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.
The semi-final against Toulon was a tense affair, with Leinster building a commanding lead through clinical finishing and strong set-piece work. However, Toulon's late surge, sparked by their powerful forwards and elusive backs, tested Leinster's resolve. Ioane's try-saving tackle in the dying moments epitomized the defensive effort that secured the victory.
Cullen acknowledged the pressure of knockout rugby, noting that his team had learned from past final defeats. The 2022 final loss to La Rochelle, the 2023 defeat by the same opponent, and the 2024 heartbreak against Toulouse have fueled Leinster's determination. Cullen emphasized that the squad has matured and is better equipped to handle high-stakes situations.
Looking ahead to the final, Leinster will face either Bordeaux-Begles or Bath, both formidable opponents. Bordeaux-Begles boast a dynamic backline, while Bath have shown resilience in tight contests. Leinster's preparation will focus on maintaining their defensive structure and exploiting attacking opportunities.
The final on 23 May presents a chance for Leinster to end their Champions Cup drought and cement their legacy as one of Europe's elite clubs.