Alan Quinlan says Munster need to "put up and shut up" and ditch any excuses as they head into tomorrow's Guinness PRO 14 final in Dublin.
Johann van Graan's men visit the RDS to take on Leinster (5pm kick-off) knowing they could arrest a long stretch without silverware.
It is the first final meeting between the two Irish provinces since the Magners League title in 2011, which Munster won 19-9 at Thomond Park.
Leinster, who finished with 71 points out of a possible 80 in their regular season, have held a monopoly over these fixtures in recent times.
And to that end, Quinlan told OTB AM this morning that it's time for the Munster players to do everything they can to beat their old foes.
"Everybody is talking about this being Munster's chance and maybe this is their time. When you've lost five on the bounce, there has to be a desperation that it's not six.
"There are high stakes in this one, it's a final, there's a trophy on offer. Munster haven't won one in nearly ten years. There's been very little between them other than Leinster being ruthless and knowing how to win, and taking opportunities when they come.
"There has to be an attitude [with Munster]. I say it from my point of view, and it's easy from the outside analysing all this stuff. You try not to be criticising for the sake of it.
| It's time for Munster to put up or shut up | 💬
Alan Quinlan shares his frustration after years hearing excuses surrounding Munster near misses #LENMUN#OTBAM with @GilletteUK | #MadeOfWhatMatters pic.twitter.com/kmCXRpGEhU— Off The Ball (@offtheball) March 26, 2021
"But how many times have we heard in the last couple of years that 'That's not good enough' and 'We know we can do better'? It's time to put up or shut up now at this stage.
"There are really positive things happening in Munster Rugby, and we've listed a lot of the good young fellas coming through many times, and there are good young fellas coming through this year - I do believe there's change happening.
"They've had an incredible result in Clermont. I'm kind of contrdicting myself when I say 'chasing the game' because they chased the hell out of that game and they got back and they won it, but I think chasing against Leinster is different at home.
"They just make it really, really difficult for you if you're chasing against them. I just hope they [Munster] bring a performance and are in the mix, and then maybe they'll get that bounce of the ball, that bit of luck that maybe they'll create and deserve."
