Leo Cullen says that Leinster can learn from their past two campaigns in the Heineken Champions Cup when they face Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.
The four-time European champions headed to Newcastle for the 2019 final looking to defend their title, but ultimately came up short against Saracens after a dream start had seen them move 10 points clear.
Last season it was the same opposition who ended Leinster's European adventure at the last eight stage in Dublin.
Although it's Exeter Chiefs this time around, Cullen says there are similarities when it comes to taking on another Gallagher Premiership side in Europe.
"The set piece battle is always going to be important and we found that out in our last quarter-final," the Leinster Head Coach said.
"Against Saracens we came unstuck a little bit in that area. Without a quality platform it's difficult and Saracens were good in terms of being able to build that scoreboard pressure against us in the first half.
"We came back strong in the second half but it was a little bit too late. So the start of the game is going to be important - how we impose ourselves in all the physical contact pieces.
"As always that's the challenge so we've tried to prepare accordingly and the guys are excited about getting going."
Leinster's preparations for the tie have been less than ideal, with Cullen only getting his international players back the week of the Pro14 final.
With the cancellation of the last-16 tie against Toulon owing to a Covid-19 case in the French club's squad, Cullen acknowledges that he can't be certain about where his squad are at heading into the game.
But he is confident that they will be able to reach the pitch of the game quickly.
"It was difficult. You could feel for Toulon but the decision was made very much out of our control.
"This is what it's all about really, isn't it? You get to this stage of the tournament, playing against the best teams in Europe - Exeter being the champions of Europe currently.
"We know it's a massive test but this is what you want to be involved in.
"I believe the group is as motivated as ever. You talk about the championship winning teams, what separates [them]? It's such fine margins on the day.
"Our form is unusual going into this game. We played that Pro14 final off the back of the Six Nations where we haven't had the players for a big chunk of time.
"We've prepared for the Toulon game and obviously that didn't go ahead so we turned the page very quickly to get ready for Exeter. A totally different challenge.
"We'll travel over there now and try to give the best account of ourselves."
The Leinster team was confirmed on Friday showing one change from the side which had been named for the game against Toulon.
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