Leinster are a mountain to climb for any team, especially as Leo Cullen’s side amassed 71 from a possible 80 points in Guinness PRO14 action, and have been the nemesis that have beaten Munster five consecutive times – and three consecutive semi-finals.

Munster have last won any silverware a decade ago, when only Keith Earls and Connor Murray were in a side that beat Leinster 19-9 on the day.

But there is a hope that things might be different this time around. South African coach Johann van Graan has slowly built a tough Munster machine, one that lost 13-10 to Leinster in the pool stages last time out.

There is a sense they are getting closer, but whether it will be close enough is another thing altogether.

Still, the impending retirement for Stander, who has played more than 150 games for Munster since joining from the Vodacom Bulls in 2012, will spur them on.

Ireland gave Stander the perfect Test send-off with their win over England, and now Stander gets a chance to get the perfect Guinness PRO14 farewell as well.

Van Graan praised the work ethic of Stander this week, saying he turned up on Monday just wanting to contribute to the side’s campaign.

"He came in on Monday and said it's a massive game for the club - and it's never been about him, it's always been about the club,” Van Graan said.

"His character speaks for itself in terms of that and look, it would be great to win this game for a whole lot of reasons, and one of them will be CJ."

Stander has been a big part of Munster’s resurgence over the past few years and has given his all whatever the game or conditions. This is why there is a tinge of emotion surrounding his appearance, even though it won’t be the last game in the red jersey for Stander.

"CJ's been fantastic for Irish and Munster rugby, he's played over 150 games for the club and we've got a final to look forward to,” Van Graan said.

"But this is not the end for CJ at Munster, we've got a European tie after this week against Toulouse and a whole host of games up until the end of June, so it's another step in our journey of the season.

"But from CJ's individual point of view, great for him to get a win in his last Test for Ireland, it was really emotional and a great send-off for him.”

Leinster are odds-on favourites, despite the rare loss to Ospreys last weekend.

They are a team that knows how to win and have won the last three Guinness PRO14 titles. All indications are that they will lift the trophy another time. But there is hope that Munster can pull out something special if they get their game right.

"I don't think finals are about trick plays. Every team has something up their sleeve on both sides of the ball, but it's about doing your basics well,” Van Graan added.

"Finals are strange things. It's about the team that handles the pressure the most. So we'll go in with our basic plan and execute that as well as we can and then adapt on the day.

"Whether that's to the opponents, the weather, the referee or the scoreboard. We'll be looking to execute our basics exceptionally well and then adapt on the day."

The final will be broadcast on the Supersport Rugby channel from 19h00.