First Division
Today (kick-offs 2.30)
Garryowen v Buccaneers (Dooradoyle)
A hugely significant fixture in the context of the top four picture between two of last season's semi-finalists. Garryowen can ill-afford performances like the last one against Clontarf. As of yesterday they were expected to be without Keith Wood (ankle) for the first time in a home game and Connie Botha (shoulder). However, Kevin O'Riordan has recovered from a leg injury.
Buccaneers have had to reshuffle their backrow with Martyn Steffert moving to the openside in place of long-term casualty Eoin Brennan (broken ankle). Stephen McIvor returns to his old haunt after patching up his differences with Brian Rigney.
The game is also notable for the First Division debut of the referee, former Irish international scrumhalf, Alain Rolland.
Garryowen will also play host to their second annual Ladies' Day.
Last two seasons: Didn't meet, Buccaneers 16 Garryowen 10.
Five-game formguide: Garryowen - L L W W L. Buccs - L L L W W.
Leading try scorers: Garryowen - Jeremy Staunton 3. Buccs - Martyn Steffert 3.
Leading points scorers: Garryowen - Killian Keane 39. Buccaneers - Simon Allnutt 50.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Leinster).
Forecast: Buccaneers to beat Garryowen, the league's leading try scorers, on the rebound.
Ballymena v Y Munster (Eaton Park)
Young Munster have never lost to Ballymena in the league - scoring a vital win here two seasons ago en route to the semi-finals and again against an understrength Ballymena last season which initiated a six-game losing streak. Ballymena boast one of the division's four unbeaten home records. Munsters' big win at St Mary's was their third victory of the campaign without scoring a try, and they have as few (four) as the bottom two. The old disciplined, defensive virtues remain though, to which can now be added the division's most prolific points scorer, Tom Cregan.
Last two seasons: Ballymena 13 Young Munster 21; Young Munster 36 Ballymena 0.
Five-game formguide: Ballymena - L W L W L. Young Munster - W W L W W.
Leading try scorers: Ballymena - Simon Broughton 4. Young Munster - Tom Cregan 2.
Leading try scorers: Ballymena - Simon Mason 46. Young Munster - Tom Cregan 93.
Referee: Alan Lewis (Leinster).
Forecast: Munsters to win.
Dungannon v Lansdowne (Stev'son Pk)
Another potential play-off eight-pointer between sixth and fifth, and both are coming off a defeat. Dungannon (14 tries) have been scoring a good deal more freely than Lansdowne (eight) but have also been a good deal more porous, conceding 14 tries as against Lansdowne's four. Dungannon have failed to pick up a bonus point in their three wins, when scoring three tries each time, but they managed two bonus points in the 35-38 thriller at Terenure. Provided their confidence hasn't been dented by that one, they will assuredly seek to entertain again today. But Lansdowne's reshuffled pack, with Gabriel Fulcher back in the second row and Colin McEntee reverting to number eight, has a more settled look to it. Home advantage could help swing it.
Last two seasons: Dungannon 28 Lansdowne 8; didn't meet.
Five-game formguide: Dungannon - W W L W L. Lansdowne - D L W W L.
Leading try scorers: Dungannon - Jonathan Bell 3. Lansdowne - Shane Horgan 2.
Leading points scorers: Dungannon - David Humphreys 88. Lansdowne - Barry Everitt 78.
Referee: Tony Redmond (Leinster).
Forecast: Dungannon to win.
DLSP v Cork Constitution Kilternan
With Brian O'Meara and Ronan O'Gara back in harness, Constitution are effectively at full-strength. They also look to have turned a corner and must realise that now is the time to launch a run for the top four.
All of which is typical of DLSP's luck. Philip Werahiko can only reshuffle his backline some more in the hope that it proves more prolific. But while the pack, and particularly the organisation, defence and spirit remain strong, goal-kicking remains a problem.
Last two seasons: Didn't meet.
Five-game formguide: DLSP - D L L L L. Cork Con - W L W L W.
Leading try scorers: DLSP - Stephens, Devitt, Maher, McDonnell 1 each. Cork Con - Penalty tries 2.
Leading points scorers: DLSP - Dave O'Riordan 18. Cork Con - Ronan O'Gara 50.
Referee: Dave McHugh (Munster).
Forecast: Cork Con to win.
Terenure v Shannon (Lakelands Park)
Having gone very close in the previous two years, Terenure cracked it against Shannon in Clanwilliam last year and in effect cracked Shannon's invincibility - kickstarting a losing run of three games which broke their four-in-a-row hold on the title.
Terenure are unbeaten at home this season, and given reasonable weather this should be another entertaining game. David Lynagh (ankle) is out, so Shane Cullen takes over as left winger and kicker, while Pat Holden returns for his first start since December 1998 in place of Colin Potts and is eased in with an outing against former Australian international John Langford. Shannon have their full quota of internationals and look to be benefitting from the confidence which the call-ups have brought.
Last two seasons: Terenure 17 Shannon 19; Shannon 8 Terenure 27.
Five-game formguide: Terenure - W W W L W. Shannon - L W W L W.
Leading try scorers: Terenure - Richie Governey 3. Shannon - Marcus Horan 3.
Leading points scorers: Terenure - David Lynagh 65. Shannon - Conor Burke 59.
Referee: Ronnie McDowell (Munster).
Forecast: Terenure to win.
Tomorrow
St Mary's v Clontarf (Templeville Rd)
Clontarf's confidence will have reached new heights, and by all accounts Alex Wyllie's changes have considerably improved the team's sense of cohesion. Brent Pope (facing into his first AIL game against his old club) will expect a reaction, indeed the players promised it during the lengthy post-match meeting after the Munsters' defeat, but they'll have to start using their unequalled pace out wide, especially with Peter McKenna back for his first game in six weeks (it also cost him three A caps in all probability).
Last two seasons: St Mary's 12 Clontarf 23; Clontarf 17 St Mary's 46.
Five-game formguide: St Mary's - W W W L L. Clontarf - L L L L W.
Leading try scorers: St Mary's - John McWeeney 3. Clontarf - O'Reilly, Brownlie, Ward, O'Brien 1 each.
Leading points scorers: St Mary's - Mark McHugh 54. Clontarf - Richie Murphy 53.
Referee: Bertie Smith (Munster).
Forecast: St Mary's to win.
Division Two
Old Crescent v Bective (Rosbrien)
Expectant of a return to the top flight, and although they still haven't been scoring freely, Crescent's promotion push is back on track.
The cyclical nature of Bective's season suggests they are due a performance, but they seem to have lost track since the 28-0 win over Wanderers three defeats ago.
Last season: Bective 3 Crescent 24.
Last five games: Bective - L W L L L. Crescent - W W L W W.
Forecast: Crescent to win.
Derry v Blackrock (Judge's Road)
After three restorative wins City of Derry are back on top. Blackrock are on a mission but are without Brian O'Driscoll and Bob Casey. With their use of the bench, the durable Derry men are unlikely to wilt over the 80 minutes, especially at home, but even so Blackrock should win.
Last season: didn't meet.
Last five games: City of Derry - L L W W W. Blackrock - W W W W W.
Forecast: Blackrock to win.
Wanderers v Dolphin (Lansdowne Rd)
Due to the format being put in place for next season, both sides are effectively consigned to the second division. Dolphin appear to be showing markedly more interest in the cause than a free-falling Wanderers.
Last season: Dolphin 23 Wanderers 25.
Last five games: Wanderers - L W L L L. Dolphin - L L L W W.
Forecast: Dolphin to win.
Galwegians v Belvedere (Crowley Pk)
Galwegians' maximum haul last Sunday against Bective has elevated them into the top four, whereas Belvedere's push is faltering after defeats to Crescent and City of Derry. With home advantage and Matt Mostyn regaining his confidence Galwegians should win.
Last season: Didn't meet.
Last five games: Galwegians - L W W L W. Old Belvedere - W W W L L.
Forecast: Galwegians to win.
Portadown v UCD, Chamber's Park
Unbeatable for much of last season at home, it's remarkable to think that Portadown haven't picked up even a single bonus point there this season. With Greystones winning last week, Portadown are looking at a relegation play-off though one win could change everything. It mightn't be a cakewalk, but UCD can continue the pressure on those above them.
Last season: Didn't meet.
Last five games: Portadown - W L L L L. UCD - W W W L W.
Forecast: UCD to win.
Greystones v Belfast (Dr Hickey Park)
The Belfast club's slightly fortuitous late win in Belfield has elevated them into seventh place with games in hand on all above them bar Blackrock. Greystones's form is improving and an upset is conceivable though Niall Malone should just about steer the visitors home again.
Last season: Didn't meet.
Last five games: Greystones - L L D L W. Belfast Harlequins - L W W W W.
Forecast: Belfast Harlequins to win.
Sunday's Well v UCC (Musgrave Park)
Sunday's well are starting to fall off the pace a little and that eight-try drubbing at Blackrock could leave its scars. Then again, they have a decent enough run-in, this is an altogether friendlier task, if that can be said of a Cork derby.
Last season: UCC 24 Sunday's Well 20.
Last five games: Sunday's Well - W W L W L. UCC - L D L L W.
Forecast: The Well to win.
