But the Munstermen are just five points behind leaders Ulster with a game in hand, and a win at Thomond Park could well make sure they are back in the mix.
Ospreys, after a slow start to the season, have hit some form of late but are six points further back on Munster - though the likely return of Wales star Rhys Webb this Sunday should be a source of inspiration.
Opening the round of fixtures is another intriguing battle between Newport Gwent Dragons - who have been troubling Irish opposition of late - and third-place Connacht.
The Dragons have beaten Munster and Leinster at Rodney Parade already this season, and came within three points of beating Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium last Friday.
But Connacht, boosted by the return of Ireland squad members Kieran Marmion, Finlay Bealham and Ultan Dillane, ended a run of four defeats last time out with an impressive win over Scarlets.
There's also a triple bill to look forward to on Friday and the clash between Ulster and GUINNESS PRO12 defending champions Glasgow Warriors immediately catches the eye.
The Kingspan Stadium was of course the venue of the Warriors' first-ever PRO12 title last year, and those memories should stand them in good stead after a run of just one victory out of six games in all competitions.
Their inter-city rivals Edinburgh are currently enjoying a better time of it - despite defeat to Cardiff Blues last time out - and a trip to Parc y Scarlets is set to be an acid test.
Scarlets' home form is as imperious as ever - they have lost just once at home in the GUINNESS PRO12 this season and that was the slenderest of defeats to Ospreys on Boxing Day.
Elsewhere, Zebre travel to the RDS having pushed Munster all the way at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Round 13.
Zebre have already bested their GUINNESS PRO12 win tally of three last year, though no one has beaten Leinster at the RDS since February 2015.
And on Saturday, Benetton Treviso carry on the search for that elusive first victory this season against a Cardiff Blues side out to win their fifth GUINNESS PRO12 game in a row for the first time since 2010.
Watch your GUINNESS PRO12 heroes at the RBS 6 Nations
The GUINNESS PRO12 will of course not be the only set of rugby games set to keep fans glued to their TV screens this weekend as the RBS 6 Nations rolls on to Round Two.
Many of the competition's finest stars will once again be on display on the international stage and in case you missed it, don't forget to check out our GUINNESS PRO12 Hero competition - for your chance to win tickets to the Grand Final.
Having drawn at the Aviva Stadium to Wales last weekend, Ireland travel to the Stade de France aiming to repeat their Rugby World Cup victory over Les Bleus.
Scotland's side are almost exclusively made up of GUINNESS PRO12 players too and after their narrow defeat to England at BT Murrayfield, the next challenge is to topple Wales for the first time since 2007.
Italy showed they are not to be underestimated after going so close to beating France - thanks in part to the efforts of rising Zebre star Carlo Canna - and England await them at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
To buy tickets for the GUINNESS PRO12 Grand Final click here. Also follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12.
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