All-Ireland League Preview

First division

First division

Young Munster v Buccaneers Clifford Park (6.30)

With seasonal ambitions now curtailed to strictly domestic fare, both Mike Mullins and Peter Clohessy have indicated a willingness to help Young Munster's pursuit of a top-four place.

They currently stand sixth and a win in this evening's game would edge them back into the top four on points difference at least, ahead of St Mary's.

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Then again they're up against the form team in the division in the rejuvenated Buccaneers, whose new coach cum outhalf Simon Allnutt has yet to experience defeat after four games.

Last week's remarkable secondhalf comeback from 0-5 to 17-5 winners into a gale against Dungannon (strengthened by the events of the weekend) demonstrated their rediscovered mettle though Young Munster may have a little more to play for and have some momentum of their own. And, a little surprisingly, they owe Buccaneers one.

Last three seasons: Young Munster 6 Buccaneers 26; Buccaneers 21 Young Munster 13; didn't meet.

Last five games: Young Munster - W L L W W. Buccaneers - L W W W W.

Leading try scorers: Young Munster - Paul O'Connell 4, Mike Mullins 3. Buccaneers - Mattie Walker 4.

Leading points scorers: Young Munster - Mike Lynch 70. Buccaneers - Eamonn Molloy 50.

Forecast: Young Munster to win.

Twenty places are still available on the sponsored walk in aid of the IRFU's Charitable Trust for Injured Players which is being organised in conjunction with the Lions tour to Australia. The 100 km fund-raising initiative coincides with the second and third Tests in Melbourne and Sydney on July 7th and 14th, and has attracted 80 people from Ireland. Sponsored participants are invited to raise £3,850 in order to take part in a wide-ranging package and enquiries should be made to Mick Quinn (014901884; 087-2452222 or Eleanor Connolly (01-2834277).

In the Saturday Profile in The Irish Times it was incorrectly stated that Declan Kidney's father was deceased. We apologise for the error.

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times