Cudd made his first competitive appearance since May 2017 – after recovering from a serious knee injury sustained last year – as the Dragons made the daunting trip to the RDS Arena.
The popular 29-year-old admitted it was great to be back in the thick of the action – even if the Guinness PRO14 champions secured a 52-10 win.
And he now wants Dragons to now use the Irish experience for good as they face in-form Zebre on home soil.
“It’s a funny one because we conceded 52 points but there were actually a lot of positives defensively,” he said.
“When we had the ball in the first half it would have been great to come away with some points because we played some good rugby in that small period, but let them off the hook.
“No-one outside the Dragons expected us to go to Leinster and win. But there were positives and we have to take them back to Rodney Parade, put in a performance against Zebre and get the right result.
“It’s a good opportunity, but Zebre are a strong team and aren’t as weak as some people make them out to be, they are well organised.
“It’s going to be a tough game at home, but we will be on our game and hopefully will come away with that all-important win.
“It’s great to be back,” he added. “I was tired towards the end but would have been anyway even without my injury.
“It was a long time out and I am glad to have my first Guinness PRO14 game back. Hopefully I can continue from here.”
CLICK HERE to secure your advance price tickets for Saturday's game against Zebre at Rodney Parade, kick off 5.15pm
The popular 29-year-old admitted it was great to be back in the thick of the action – even if the Guinness PRO14 champions secured a 52-10 win.
And he now wants Dragons to now use the Irish experience for good as they face in-form Zebre on home soil.
“It’s a funny one because we conceded 52 points but there were actually a lot of positives defensively,” he said.
“When we had the ball in the first half it would have been great to come away with some points because we played some good rugby in that small period, but let them off the hook.
“No-one outside the Dragons expected us to go to Leinster and win. But there were positives and we have to take them back to Rodney Parade, put in a performance against Zebre and get the right result.
“It’s a good opportunity, but Zebre are a strong team and aren’t as weak as some people make them out to be, they are well organised.
“It’s going to be a tough game at home, but we will be on our game and hopefully will come away with that all-important win.
“It’s great to be back,” he added. “I was tired towards the end but would have been anyway even without my injury.
“It was a long time out and I am glad to have my first Guinness PRO14 game back. Hopefully I can continue from here.”
CLICK HERE to secure your advance price tickets for Saturday's game against Zebre at Rodney Parade, kick off 5.15pm
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