Ballymena's unbeaten away record will come under pressure today. Gary Longwell's call-up to the Ulster team is a huge loss but they will look to Dirkie Strydom for inspiration from outside centre.
Buccaneers v Ballymena
Dubarry Park, 2.30
Ronan McCormack looks set to be available for Buccaneers. It's a vital game for both sides' play-off aspirations, especially if Clontarf beat Cork Constitution.
Referee: P Roche (Munster)
Last three matches: Buccaneers: D W W
Ballymena: W L W
Verdict: Home win
Blackrock College V Dungannon Stradbrook, 2.30
Blackrock will be keen to improve their record at Stradbrook (they have only won two of their last 10) against a Dungannon side that has lost its way recently with defeats to Dolphin and Garryowen. Blackrock have a real opportunity to pick up their first bonus points of the season for tries scored.
Referee: S Flannery (Limerick)
Last three matches: Blackrock: W L L
Dungannon: L L W
Verdict: Home win
Clontarf v Cork Constitution
Castle Avenue, 2.30
After three late escapes, Cork Constitution have surely used up there get-out-of-jail-free cards. Clontarf know the feeling, they achieved a draw last week against Buccaneers thanks to a late try from Niall O'Brien.
A win is essential if Clontarf are to keep track of those above them. If their forwards can keep the supply lines open expect to see the centre pairing of James Downey and Conor Mahony (a former Con player) making plenty of inroads.
This match signals the beginning of a difficult run to the finishing line for Cork Con as Shannon, Ballymena and Buccaneers await.
Referee: G Doyle (Ulster)
Last three matches: Clontarf: D L W
Cork Con: W W W
Verdict: Home win
Co Carlow v Lansdowne
Oak Park, 2.30
Co Carlow player-coach Dan van Zyl returns to the side as Felipe Contepomi is injured. Benjamin Young is rerouted to his preferred outhalf slot in the absence of the Argentinian. Carlow will be expected to put an end to their five-game losing streak against a struggling Lansdowne side.
Referee: J Sheehan (Munster)
Last three matches: Co Carlow: L L L
Lansdowne: L L L
Verdict: Home win
Dolphin v Belfast Harlequins Musgrave Park, 2.30
Belfast Harlequins' desire to stay in the hunt for the play-offs should see them record their fourth win in succession. Willem Slabbert will look to maintain his try-scoring record; he ran in five last week against Garryowen. They won't get out of Cork without a fight though, as Dolphin come into the contest on the back of victories over Dungannon and Lansdowne.
Referee: P Eakin ( Ulster )
Last three matches: Dolphin: W W L
Belfast Harlequins: W W W
Verdict: Away win
Garryowen v UCD
Dooradoyle, 2.30
Garryowen will be eager to atone for last week's 50-17 thrashing at the hands of Belfast Harlequins. It was the highest number of points they have conceded in 161 league games.
UCD can expect a backlash but they have strengthened their side from last week with Connacht's Shane Moore coming into the centre and Niall Breslin replacing Peter Callanan in the second row.
Referee: C Stanley (Leinster)
Last three matches: Garryowen: L W W
UCD: W L L
Verdict: Home win
St Mary's College v Shannon
Templeville Road, 2.30
St Mary's chances of turning over one of the top teams, a title they once could claim themselves, seem to have slipped through their fingers last week against Cork Con. Shannon won't give them as many chances as their main rivals.
This would be an ideal time for Brent Pope's side to claim their first home win of the campaign.
Referee: B Fitzgerald (Munster)
Last three matches: St Mary's: L L W
Shannon: W W W
Verdict: Away win
