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And having enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence over recent months, England's new prop sensation admits that the experience he gained as a regular 23rd man had a major impact on his development.
"It was a good learning experience, especially when you're young. Being 23rd man at big game like this, the pressure's off and you see places and learn about the atmosphere," said Cole, who worked his way through the Welford Road ranks having also played Championship rugby with Bedford and Nottingham.
"Every time Cockers took you along, he took you along for a reason. Yes, you're there to cover bodies but he also tells you it's a learning experience.
"It's a lot easier going to away matches now especially knowing that nothing's new to you - you can just focus then on what's going on on the field.
"But playing matches like this is why you play the game. It's a lot more enjoyable. There's a lot more pressure obviously but it's what you're in the game for.
"It's essentially two Test teams going at each other on Saturday and I just really want to get out there and play."
Cole is almost certain to start this weekend's knockout clash at the Aviva Stadium, especially after fellow front rower Ayerza was banned for two weeks following an unsightly incident in the win over Harlequins.
Leicester won that feisty encounter in West London but Cole has mixed feelings about the performance.
The youngster, who became an England regular after just over 20 starts for his club, insists the quality of the display was below the levels expected by everyone involved with the former European Champions. But Cole also believes winning ugly will be a boost ahead of what will be a massive challenge in Dublin.
"We've taken a look at the video from Quins and we weren't particularly happy with how we played," added Cole.
"We're a lot better than that. Quins ran through us quite a fair amount of times and we've got to tighten up for this weekend.
"But, at the end of the day, we won. Quins is never going to be an easy place to win and it followed a win at Bath. A win's a win and that's what you need at this time of the year.
"Saturday is a massive test. It we'd have just walked the game against Quins then we might have come into this game over confident and too relaxed. In training there's been an edge about us and hopefully that will continue through to the weekend.
"Leinster are the European Champions from a couple of years ago, they've got current Irish Test players throughout the team from 1 to 15, and they've got the likes of Brian O'Driscoll, so they're a great team. There's probably no harder place to go and play than Leinster.
"It's the business end of the season, the quarter finals of the European Cup and you want to move on to the semis and the final to go and win it."
