A rotational Leinster side were beaten 27-3 by their provincial rivals in their opening Rainbow Cup match, with Cullen opting to rest some key players ahead of their semi-final meeting with La Rochelle on Sunday afternoon.

However, Cullen took the positives from the defeat, with several Irish internationals returning from injury ahead of a huge week for the Irish province chasing a record-breaking fifth European crown.

“We had a number of guys come back from injuries that had been out for a couple of weeks so it just adds to the depth of the group,” said the 43-year-old.

“Some players (Garry Ringrose and James Ryan) came back who had been out for a long while and got game time, which is good so there’s positives within it.

“For all of those guys, to feel what it’s like at this level, to feel that level of pressure. I think they’ll be better for the experience hopefully.

“We made hard work of it at times out there but there were some positives in there but a huge challenge for the club at La Rochelle next week against a couple of coaches that know us reasonably well, with Jono Gibbes and Ronan as well.

“We know it’s going to be a great challenge. They’re in great form. You saw in their game against Sale how dangerous they are.”

You can watch La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby live on Sunday 2 May from Stade Marcel Deflandre at 15:00 (UK and Irish time), live on BT Sport.

Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen is taking the positives from his side’s Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup defeat to Munster Rugby last weekend, with their Heineken Champions Cup semi-final showdown with La Rochelle firmly in sight.