It is a far cry from last year's campaign as although they lifted the RaboDirect PRO12 title Leinster failed to escape their European Cup pool.
And while Toulon will be a tough nut to crack, O'Connor can't wait to see what happens.
"At the start of the year one of our goals as a squad and as a management team was to qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals and we've done that as pool winners," O'Connor said.
"It has taken a big effort from the players to come through a tough group with five wins out of six and they deserve great credit for that.
"I've said it many times before, there are no easy games in the Heineken Cup and a trip to Toulon is further proof of that.
"They have a fantastic squad of players and their form in the Heineken has been excellent with only one loss in a group containing Cardiff, Exeter and Glasgow meaning they have earned their home quarter final.
"I know from the mentality of my players that they want to be tested against the best and ultimately if we are to progress in this competition then we have to play and beat the best and I am confident that we have the capabilities to do that."
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