Glasgow wing DTH van der Merwe admits form will count for nothing as Warriors look to re-assert their dominance over Edinburgh.
The tartan rivals go head-to-head at Murrayfield in the 1872 Cup decider on Saturday night, with the tie finely balanced at one win a piece.
Gunners head coach Richard Cockerill believes the showdown will establish whether his side really have overtaken their neighbours along the M8 after years in Glasgow’s shadow.
However, the clash also has ramifications for Edinburgh’s PRO14 play-off hopes.
While Warriors have already secured a home semi-final slot, Edinburgh still need to pick up a point to book their place in the quarter-finals.
But Van der Merwe is refusing to pay any attention to the standings after insisting the favourites tag does not apply when the two Scottish outfits collide.
He said: “People call it a friendly rivalry but when you’re out on the field it is all about winning.
“It’s mostly about Edinburgh and Glasgow – very little of it matters about the league, what position you’re in or what you have done in the games leading up to it.
#GUINNESSPRO14 Teams: DTH van der Merwe to join @GlasgowWarriors 100 club in #1872Cup deciderhttps://t.co/IXxG1N5kw5 pic.twitter.com/tclTKUt4Ce
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) April 27, 2018
“The standings don’t really matter – what does is beating the other side and lifting that trophy.
“It’s always a dog fight and form goes out the window. We’re just desperate to win.”
Van der Merwe rejoined Glasgow last month after two years away in Wales and England.
The Canadian international helped Warriors lift the PRO12 title in 2015 before repeating the act with Scarlets last year and admits the chance to saviour more major occasions was the main driving force behind his Scotstoun return.
The 31-year-old – who will make his 100th Glasgow appearance this weekend – said: “These 1872 Cup games always stuck out in the memory and I found them special to play in.
“You get an extra big crowd, there’s a bit more tension in the game and you get a bit of back-and-forth with the talking between the teams.
“I’m just so excited to be back involved again.
Glasgow Warriors confirm top try-scorer DTH van der Merwe has returned to the club, signing a deal to 2020. pic.twitter.com/9BA8KehY6h
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) March 15, 2018
“Getting the chance to play in these games and to be involved in a Grand Final was always in the back of my mind while deciding to come back here.
“Glasgow was the first club who I won anything big with and that was very special. I still believe we have an opportunity to do that again.
“When the chance came to come back, well I was always going to take it.
“I was here for six years the first time round and obviously had some ups and downs but the club retained faith in me and now I want to return the favour.”
