on Friday laya There's no secret to our success..it's hard work

CULLEN RESPONDS TO THE BLUES' BEGRUDGERS AS THEY MARCH ON

- MICHAEL SCULLY

LEO CULLEN hit back at Leinster's critics as the province set their sights on a first double since 2018.

Champions Cup victories over Ulster and Leicester Tigers in successive weeks have propelled the Blues into the semis for the 14th time.

Now they will host Sharks' impressive conquerors Toulouse in a repeat of last year's last four tie at the Aviva Stadium at the end of the month.

But the latest triumphs have drawn renewed attention to the resources at the Blues' disposal.

Ulster boss Dan McFarland spoke of Leinster's much greater playing numbers and "way more" earning potential after his side's Round of 16 exit.

Then, after watching his side suffer a 55-24 defeat on Friday, Tigers supremo Richard Wigglesworth moaned "the gulf is what you have available to spend".

Cullen laughed when those two views were put to him but they clearly hit a nerve as he defended the Leinster way.