James Downey feels the pressure is primarily on Munster as they prepare to host interpo derby rivals Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.
Johann van Graan's side welcome Leo Cullen's team for a 7pm kick-off at Thomond Park (live on RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and RTÉ Radio 1) ahead of a hectic period of European games for both sides.
Speaking on RTÉ's Game On, Downey, who played for both Leinster and Munster during his career, said he expects both provinces to name strong matchday squads but that it's those in red who need the bragging rights more than the outfit in blue.
"These games are crucial and for Munster where they're at, they need this win more so than Leinster," he said.
"I think the pressure is on. They're at home as well in front of an expectant crowd.
"Could they be slight favourites? Maybe, so just given they're at home which will be interesting because Leinster, the last game, they lost and that was CJ Stander's last game and there was so much chat about that as well about Leinster losing at home.
"So I'm sure Leo Cullen's speech will write itself too."
Downey also believes the best chance for Munster to prevail is to avoid reverting to type in terms of their approach in attack.
"You're just never sure. Just when Munster take a step forward, something happens and it goes backwards," he said.
"The form book goes out the window" @LeinsterRugby head coach Leo Cullen looks ahead to their interprovincial derby against Munster
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) March 31, 2022
Watch the game live this Saturday on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer from 6.30pm #URC #RTERugby #MUNvLEI pic.twitter.com/XsIQxjmdlZ
"You think you have the gameplan nailed and then it reverts to type to a South African kicking game which we've kind of forgotten about because Ireland have played so well and we've been focusing on Ireland for so long and you like to see a bit of that blueprint brought into Munster's play.
"Stephen Larkham has got a great reputation and the players speak extremely highly of him and you'd expect just a little bit more of that gameplan to be seen.
"I think you'll see it this weekend. I think for Munster to win this weekend, they will have to move Leinster around, target the breakdown. They'll see that as a main point for them to attack Leinster."
Watch Benetton v Connacht (Saturday 12pm), France v Ireland (Saturday 2.15pm) and Munster v Leinster (Saturday 7pm) live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player (also live on RTÉ Radio 1).
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