Division One

Ballymena v DLSP, Eaton Park

Shorn of Topping, Nelson and Graham from the back-row, Ballymena are otherwise at full strength. DLSP have three AIL newcomers in the tight-five and two on the wings. Simon Broughton is liable to be targeted defensively on a swift return to his former club but with a more settled side, DLSP could again extend Ballymena in this opener.

Last three seasons: didn't meet, didn't meet, Ballymena 14, DLSP 11.

Referee: Tony Redmond (IRFU).

Odds (all Paddy Powers): 2/7 Ballymena, 20/1 draw, 11/4 DLSP. Handicap odds (= DLSP +12pts): 10/11 Ballymena, 16/1 draw, 10/11 DLSP.

Forecast: DLSP to win.

St Mary's v Young Munster, Templeville Road

Always an edge to this one. With well documented front-row problems, St Mary's must be vulnerable, though Young Munster themselves are weakened by the summer exodus and the absence of Tom Cregan and Eamonn Buckley, as well as new recruits Colm Power and Dave Peters. Still, Peter Clohessy is there and another blood-and-guts effort would likely do it.

Last three seasons: St Mary's 13, Young Munster 7; Young Munster 15, St Mary's 31; St Mary's 7, Young Munster 9.

Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU).

Odds: 8/11 St Mary's, 16/1 draw, 11/10 Young Munster. Handicap odds (= YM +2pts): 10/11 St Mary's, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Young Munster.

Forecast: Young Munster to win.

Clontarf v Buccaneers, Castle Avenue

Similarly endowed, if somewhat changed sides from last season, this pairing has swayed with home advantage heretofore. But judged by their pummelling up front by Terenure last week, Clontarf could again feel the force of the Buccaneers' juggernaut, old comrade Craig Brownlie included.

Last three seasons: didn't meet; Clontarf 34, Buccaneers 16; Buccaneers 25, Clontarf 3.

Referee: Bertie Smith (IRFU).

Odds: 8/13 Clontarf, 18/1 draw, 5/4 Buccaneers. Handicap odds (= Buccs +4pts): 10/11 Clontarf, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Buccaneers.

Forecast: Buccaneers to win.

Shannon v Garryowen, Thomond Park

Buoyed by their Cup win, a more focused Shannon appear better equipped to hit the ground running than Garryowen, according to the Munster grapevine, and, with Hayes and Galwey on the bench, have weapons for the final half-hour. The back-row collision will be big, but Garryowen look to have more game-breakers and try-scoring ability.

Last three seasons: Garryowen 14, Shannon 17; Shannon 20, Garryowen 23 (and final: Shannon 15, Garryowen 9); Garryowen 18, Shannon 15.

Referee: David Tyndall (IRFU).

Odds: 8/11 Shannon, 16/1 draw, 11/10 Garryowen. Handicap odds (= Garryowen +2 pts): 10/11 Shannon, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Garryowen.

Forecast: Shannon to win.

Old Crescent v Blackrock, Rosbrien

Although Crescent may not be anything too special, word in Munster has it that they've a huge pack (witness Ian Bloomer on the bench) with Antipodean edge. Missing several of their big guns and gamebreakers, Blackrock could struggle as Dublin clubs traditionally do in Limerick in another tight and possibly lowscoring game.

Last three seasons: Old Crescent 5, Blackrock 3; didn't meet; Blackrock 20, Old Crescent 20.

Referee: Gareth Doyle (IRFU).

Odds: 8/11 Old Crescent, 16/1 draw, 11/10 Blackrock. Handicap odds (= Blackrock +2pts): 10/11 Old Crescent, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Blackrock.

Forecast: Old Crescent to win.

Galwegians v Dungannon, Crowley Park

Previously, these sides have avoided each other in yo-yoing up and down divisions. Dungannon will be missing both Bells, Howe and Constable, though they retain a good pack and can count on Humphreys (renewing old rivalry with Elwood). Still, Galwegians are at full strength and look to be better all-round as well as having home advantage.

Last three seasons: didn't meet; didn't meet; didn't meet.

Referee: Alan Lewis.

Odds: 8/13 Galwegians, 18/1 draw, 5/4 Dungannon. Handicap odds (= Dungannon +4pts): 10/11 Galwegians, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Dungannon.

Forecast: Galwegians to win.

Lansdowne v Terenure, Lansdowne Road

Whereas Terenure have Miller and Hegarty back, Lansdowne (missing Corrigan, Fulcher, McCulland and O'Mahony) have been further hit by the withdrawal of Gordon D'Arcy - Gus Hamilton moves to full back and Ray Niland comes into midfield. On the high of their Leinster Cup win, Terenure look better equipped and have revenge in mind.

Last three seasons: Lansdowne 9, Terenure 9; Terenure 14, Lansdowne 7; Lansdowne 24, Terenure 25 (and semi-final: Terenure 13, Lansdowne 29).

Referee: Olan Trevor (IRFU).

Odds: 10/11 Lansdowne, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Terenure.

Forecast: Terenure to win.

Cork Constitution v Belfast Harlequins, Temple Hill

The nouveau riche of Belfast have a useful tight five and halves for the long trek south. But Northern clubs traditionally travel poorly to this neck of the woods, and an all-round, stronger looking Constitution have been unbeaten at home since a defeat to Garryowen on February 21st, 1998, winning the last 13 at Temple Hill.

Last three seasons: didn't meet; didn't meet; didn't meet.

Referee: Donal Courtney (IRFU).

Odds: 1/4 Cork Con, 10/1 draw, 3/1 Harlequins. Handicap odds (= Harlequins +14pts): 10/11 Cork Con, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Harlequins.

Forecast: Constitution to win.

Division Two

UCC v Old Wesley, Mardyke

Heavy defeats to Bective and Belvedere don't augur well for promoted Wesley for the trip to Cork, where the students eeked out a 9-6 win over the Sunday's Well in an opener before losing in Portadown.

Forecast: UCC to win.

Malone v Portadown, Gibson Park

Malone, who seem in a downward spiral after the departure of Paul Henderson, have one point to show from a defeat in Midleton after a hammering by UCD, whereas Portadown may be regrouping judging by the win over UCC.

Forecast: Portadown to win.

Dolphin v Midleton, Musgrave Park

A New Cork derby between an upwardly mobile club of junior status three years ago against a first-division outfit of three years ago. Each has had a home win, Dolphin looking the more potent.

Forecast: Dolphin to win.

Old Belvedere v Wanderers, Anglesea Road

Wanderers have won the last couple of fixtures between these two Dublin 4 wannabees but developing Belvedere have started with a couple of wins and a bonus point, and look better primed for a promotion push.

Forecast: Old Belvedere to win.

Greystones v UL/Bohemians, Dr Hickey Park

Should be a high-scoring game between two sides on six points and already adept at picking up bonus points, with home advantage and new buoyancy possibly swaying things to Greystones.

Forecast: Greystones to win.

Ballynahinch v Sunday's Well, Ballymacarn Park

Beaten 19-3 on their one meeting in Cork two seasons ago, Ballynahinch will make life tough for visiting Sunday's Well this time. Like so many, each has a win, but the Well's extra brace of bonus points hints that they may have more potency again.

Forecast: Sunday's Well.

Carlow v UCD, Oak Park

The day's only clash between two unbeaten sides, Carlow having acquitted themselves well, but the students also have a bonus point and look a class act on a mission after last season's injustice.

Forecast: UCD to win.

Bective Rangers v City of Derry, Donnybrook - postponed (waterlogged pitch).