Leinster got their European campaign off to a flying start, but ahead of Saturday's trip to Lyon, Felipe Contepomi need only cast his mind back 12 months for a valuable learning lesson.
Against an ill-disciplined and limited Italian side, a Garry Ringrose hat-trick helped Leinster to a bonus point victory in Pool One.
It wasn’t a performance that left their Champions Cup rivals quaking in their boots, but in dusting off the cobwebs and welcoming back the Irish World Cup contingent, it was more than a useful exercise.
A trip to the Matmut Stadium de Gerland however against a side top of the pile in France represents a serious step-up in class, according to the backs coach.
"They are the form team in the Top 14. They have a very good side and I think they are well coached," he told RTÉ Sport.
"They are a difficult team to scout because they have a lot of variation in their style of game. They have a lot of individuality.
"It’s a big, big challenge for us."
Fresh in the memory is last year’s European journey, which ultimately saw a quest for a fifth title fall at the final hurdle.
Twelve months ago they also followed up a bonus-point opening pool game win with a trip to France, where Toulouse edged out the visitors by the bare minimum.
It's not a shock, but it's a different way they feel rugby
Contepomi, who spent five years as a player with Toulon and Stade Francais, says there is a unique atmosphere generated in France.
"It's not a shock, but it’s a different way they feel rugby.
"The whole day, the atmosphere is different. We need to prepare for that and hopefully we can perform better and get a good result."
Having the internationals firmly back in the fold is a boost, but the Argentinean knows there is plenty of room for improvement if Leinster are to carry the fight towards the business end of the season on two fronts.
They are professionals, but each player can experience different emotions
"We have to get better definitely. World Cup years are disruptive. Some guys, their last game was against New Zealand. I think they have done really well.
"The players have shown a lot of hunger and desire to get the blue jersey on. They are professionals, but each player can experience different emotions.
"We could see them all switch on and they were training very hard all week to get the best out of themselves, to get into the Leinster mode."
