Team news

Galwegians

Galwegians

The Connacht outfit have used fewer players (just 20 in their 14 starting line-ups thus far) than any other club in the first division and once more John Kingston will be able to pick from a full-strength squad save for longer-term absentee Johnny O'Connor for Saturday's derby with Buccaneers.

With Willie Ruane recovered from his rib injury and added to last Saturday's 21, this gives Kingston a selectorial poser given the performance of Gavin Duffy at full back in the win over Terenure: "It gave me a chance to have a look at my little gem in the position where I've no doubt his future lies, but I hope Willie will be back." Kingston must also decide whether to recall Damien Browne or leave John Casserley in the second row.

Terenure College

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Terenure expect to have Steve Barretto back following the loosehead's absence from their last two outings and will thus be at full strength save for long-term casualty Rory Sherriff for Saturday's seasonal finale against local rivals St Mary's.

Clontarf

Centre Dave O'Brien (concussed in last Saturday's defeat by DLSP) is ruled out while flanker Shane McEntee is likely to be away.

Young Munster

One win away from the play-offs, Munsters will be without lock Colm Power due to a knee ligament injury so are likely to recall Dave Peters. Inspirational ex-Maori All Black number eight Mutu Ngarimu sustained a dead leg in the win over Garryowen while Leo Doyle suffered a shoulder injury but both should be okay.

Young Munster (probable): M Connolly; F Hogan, M Mullins, L Doyle, C Casey; M Lynch, M Prendergast; P Clohessy, B Cantrell, M Fitzgerald, P O'Connell, D Peters, M te Pou, M Ngarimu, K Gallagher.

Preview

Division One - Today

Garryowen v Buccaneers Dooradoyle (7.0) A game against the Buccaneers juggernaut is just what Garryowen's young tyros didn't need after Sunday's collapse, and they look to be stumbling to their knees as they face into a fifth game in 15 days. Not surprisingly Andy Earl won't be in a position to finalise a team until today but Jeremy Staunton (ankle ligaments) and Tom Tierney (dislocated shoulder) are definitely out, and David Wallace is doubtful pending another test on his knee. Buccaneers will maintain a remarkable injury-free run up front whereby the same first-choice forwards have been picked for every game this season. Their back line, though, is again disrupted by the unavailability of Justin Meagher, last Saturday's under-20 try-scoring debutant, due to exams. Against that, Rob Lee could come back into the equation as player-coach Simon Allnutt is debating whether to play himself at outhalf and Colm Glynn at inside centre, or vice versa. One more win would secure Buccaneers' division one status. By applying the basics diligently as Young Munster did, they should get it.

Last three seasons: Didn't meet, Buccaneers 16 Garryowen 10; Garryowen 22 Buccaneers 12.

Five-game formguide: Garryowen - W W W W L; Buccaneers - W W L L L.

Leading try scorers: Garryowen - Steve Mackay 3; Buccaneers - Mattie Walker 4.

Leading points scorers: Garryowen - Jeremy Staunton 156; Buccaneers - Eamonn Molloy 50.

Referee: Bertie Smith (IRFU).

Forecast: Buccaneers to win.

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times