The social media takes, in the aftermath of Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final win over Toulouse, have been spicy to say the least.
If there was a pivotal moment in yesterday's match it was the yellow card incident involving Rodrigue Neti and Josh van der Flier.
The Toulouse prop was sent to the bin with just ten points between the sides and the French team attacking in Leinster's half. Leinster scored soon after the card was shown, through none other than van der Flier.
However, many fans felt that the Leinster back-row was 'play acting' and that he milked the challenge from Neti.
In Neti's defence, he was attempting to secure his own ruck and was charged by van der Flier, but he did make head contact with the flanker's face.
Van der Flier's movements to being hit in the face were brief and reactionary, and he got up straight after.
Leinster v Toulouse : Josh Van Der Flier Accused Of Play Acting
The fact that Josh Van der Flier tried to draw the foul twice has to be commended 😂 https://t.co/wrBJILioA5 pic.twitter.com/aLTqbzKsWU
— Just Doc 🏉🎯 (@Doc_Torio) April 30, 2023
Ridiculous yellow card and play acting from van der Flier.
Nothing in it at all - play on. It’s a European semi final ffs
#LEIvTOU— Mana Rugby (@mana_rugby) April 29, 2023
Van der Flier is making no attempt to counter ruck and leads with his shoulder. What does he expect? #LEIvTOU
— Olly Moore (@Olly_Moore) April 29, 2023
Van der Flier should be ashamed. He’s ran in twice upright looking for that contact & gone down like he’s been shot.
This behaviour is creeping into rugby & is being flat out ignored. Bring in immediate HIA’s & see how often they drop to the deck screaming.#LEINTLS #Leinster— Tom (@Tom___9) April 29, 2023
Never had Van Der Flier down as the play-acting type.
Shame to see. Creeping into Rugby lately.
Ridiculous Yellow-Card. https://t.co/bmCLwR9XKW— Stephen Wall (@StephenWall1985) April 29, 2023
READ HERE: Gordon D'Arcy Says Leinster Shouldn't Apologise For Having Home Champions Cup Final
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen spoke after the game and while he as complimentary of his team, he feels that they need to be better in the final.
"It’s great to be in a final now, and hopefully it’s going to be a special day.
“There will be a fair old demand for tickets, but this what we wanted all season. Everyone has worked their butts off to get to this point.
“It’s just trying to keep a lid on it now. There was a lot of hype after the semi-final against Toulouse last year and we didn’t deliver our best game in the final. That’s what we have to try and focus on.
"There was plenty of good stuff in the game.
“When Ramos goes to the bin we get a couple of tries during that period, and I thought the guys were pretty clinical at important stages.
“The tries come in different ways. It’s pleasing because there’s a bit of variety in our game, and that’s a thing we’re trying to develop all the time.
“We’re delighted to be through, but it’s a semi-final, and that’s about eking through by even a point, and delivering a better performance in the final.”
SEE ALSO: Toulouse Flanker Sums Up What Makes Leinster So Imperious
