Munster: Shannon v Young Munster, Thomond Park, Sunday (3.0)

Young Munster are hoping to avoid a decade of despair when they take on Shannon. The Clifford Park club last won the cup in 1990 and in every year since then have lost in the final: nine successive defeats broaches unwanted double figures. Shannon have persecuted their neighbours in several finals but this time they are considerably depleted by the absence of internationals and sundry under-21 players who line out for the provincial side against New Zealand Youths today.

Munsters have yet to finalise their side but Dave Peters, Colm Power, Leo Doyle and Peter Clohessy are definitely out. International centre Mike Mullins is available but coach Matt te Pou may decide to start him on the bench in deference to others who got the club to the final. They will include the newly eligible Mutu Ngarimu at number eight, who previously played for the New Zealand Maoris and Western Province in South Africa.

Connacht: Galwegians v Buccaneers, Sportsground, Sunday (2.30)

Galwegians coach John Kingston will not finalise his side until today. However, Brian Rigney has named the Buccaneers team, which includes a whole new backline, incorporating Greg Austin, Paul Whitaker and Matt Walker, all of whom came from English club rugby.

Former Skerries player Chris Keane is named at scrumhalf while former Clontarf number eight Craig Brownlie takes his place in a quality pack that includes New Zealander Kevin Barrett.