Achi news desk-
“We’re pretty devastated, you can see the guys out there who have pumped a huge amount into this campaign. It was two very good teams going at it and it was probably a game where you win by taking your chances and that’s so important.
“We had a lot of chances but we didn’t really manage to miss them. Toulouse scrambled well, they pushed the boundaries at times in terms of defending their try line and they dug in well there, I thought. For us, look, we’re just grateful for the support we’ve had throughout the campaign .
“Toulouse showed some of their champion qualities that they have. Especially their captain Antoine Dupont who came up with some pretty big moments at different stages; so it’s tough [defeat] pass,” Cullen added.
The Leinster head coach stated that his side still have unfinished business to take care of in the Rugby Union Championship with games looming on the horizon.
“Our season isn’t over but we’re turning our attention to URC who will again be a challenge. We’ve got a home game at RDS in six days before the playoffs, so it’s just important that we show character as a team now. That’s what these guys do best And they’re a great bunch of players to work with,” Cullen said.
When asked about his regrets from the game, Cullen reinforced the feeling that he and his side do not think about regrets after any game.
“We don’t live too much for regrets, they give everything they had out there. To be a bit more clinical overall, but again credit to Toulouse W came for big moments defensively. It was an incredibly tight game especially going into extra time, and they [Toulouse] Took their chance on the edge [for Lebel’s try] And with some late penalties.
“There was nothing between the teams as we saw. Very frustrating and a painful experience but for us now it’s about showing proper character; what we’re really made of and turning it into the rest of the season,” Cullen elaborated.
Cullen went on to sympathize with and apologize to the Leinster fans who flocked to north London for the final, while acknowledging the pain of defeat will sting for some time to come.
“The pain of defeat is hard to deal with, but we just have to make sure we show the right qualities now. We’ve worked incredibly hard to get the team to this point and we appreciate the support beyond belief; not just today but throughout the campaign.
“A big thank you to everyone and we’re sorry we couldn’t get over the line again today, but I think there’s a lot more in this team. There’s a lot of young players there that will benefit from it [the defeat] In the future, as difficult as it is to say now,” he concluded.
Leo Cullen’s men will no doubt be licking their wounds tonight, but thoughts must quickly turn back to action in the United Rugby Championship. A final game against Congate on Friday 31st May could help Leinster improve their league position ahead of the next knockout rounds.
