CJ Stander predicts that Munster will win the URC final if Jack Crowley starts against the Stormers.
The Corkman is still going through return to play protocols but the Reds are hopeful that Crowley will be ready to go after making the 30-man squad for the trip to Cape Town for Saturday's clash.
“The teams aren’t selected yet but if Jack Crowley starts at the weekend, that’s going to be the difference," said Stander, speaking on a media call for the BKT United Rugby Championship from his home in South Africa.
READ MORE: Munster "need" URC final triumph after years of hurt - CJ Stander
"I saw that guy when he walked into training (for the first time) and seeing him develop into what he is today, yeah, for me he's got the full package.
"I don't want to blow him up too early but hopefully he'll go and be one the greats, for sure."
Stander recalled the hammer blow of losing a URC final in 2015 in Belfast - "Glasgow gave us a hiding," he acknowledged - during what was a trophy-less time for him at the Reds.
He joined in 2012, a year after their Magners League triumph.
And Stander revealed that after leaving Munster in 2021 he told then boss Johann van Graan that Munster were close to making a breakthrough for silverware.
"I thought it was probably going to be next year but it's great to see it happen this year," said the former Ireland no 8.
"The squad has changed but the core is still there and we've been talking about evolving for the last eight, nine years now, and it's good to see that talent come to the top now with Graham (Rowntree) taking over from Johann.
"The difference is the talent coming through with no fear, looking to attack games."
Stander pointed to the leadership provided by the likes of skipper Peter O'Mahony and Keith Earls.
"Man, what a game last week from Keith Earls, he was outstanding," he said, referencing the semi-final victory over Leinster.
"That's exactly where the difference is for me, the pride he has coming in and making a massive impact on the game and everyone around him. So yeah, I think it's on track."
O'Mahony has never won a trophy with Munster and his former Reds team-mate Jean de Villiers can relate.
The ex-centre spent most of his career with Western Province and the Stormers and was never on the winning side in a final.
"That’s unfortunately life, that’s unfortunately rugby," said de Villiers, whose year with Munster coincided with O'Mahony's first in the first team squad.
"You get opportunities and it is about making the most of it when in that position.
"He gets another shot at it this weekend, that’s important to remember but it’s also not an individual sport, it’s a team sport and you need everybody on the same level.
"Him being such a passionate captain, he’ll be able to get that through to the youngsters and make them realise that opportunities don't come along every day - that you think you’ll get opportunities again, but then in the blink of an eye you find yourself at 33 and your trophy cabinet is still empty.
"It’s about making the most of the opportunity that is in front of them now and I’m sure he’ll get that message across to the whole team."
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