Saturday
Division One
Young Munster v Dungannon
Despite his exceptional exertions of last week and his 34th birthday in mid-week, Munsters' Peter Clohessy, will turn out, unsurprisingly as his in-form brother Des is out.
This game features the division's most prolific points scorer in David Humphreys (who will be watched by Warren Gatland). He is set to reach his century with his first successful kick. Dungannon will be without Paddy Johns, the injured Jan Cunningham and Jonathan Bell. Sizeable blows for a squad lacking strength in depth - and they have conceded more tries than anyone else. They will drop out of contention should they lose a third game in succession - and Munsters will be chomping at the bit after their defeat to Ballymena last time out.
Last two meetings: 97-98 Young Munster 29 Dungannon 13, 98-99 didn't meet.
Last five games: Young Munster - W L W W L. Dungannon - W L W L L.
Leading try scorers: Young Munster - Tom Cregan, Michael Lynch 2 each. Dungannon - Jonathan Bell 3.
Leading points scorers: Young Munster - Tom Cregan 107. Dungannon - David Humphreys 99.
Referee: D McHugh (Munster).
Odds (all Paddy Powers): 1/3 Young Munster, 20/1 Draw, 9/4 Dungannon. (Handicap odds = Dungannon +7pts) 5/6 Young Munster, 16/1 Draw, 5/6 Dungannon.
Forecast: Young Munster to win.
Buccaneers v Ballymena (Ericsson Park)
Probably the point of no return for promoted Buccaneers. Coach Eddie O'Sullivan departed, Brian Rigney retired and Simon Allnutt hasn't rediscovered the prolific form of last season. Nonetheless the team has maintained a fair degree of their home form and have a pretty good record against Ulster sides.
You sense that Ballymena's Jekyll and Hyde home and away form cannot last forever, for they looked like a confident time in dismantling Young Munster last time out.
Last two seasons: Did not meet, Ballymena 16 Buccaneers 34.
Last five games: Buccaneers - L L W W L. Ballymena - W L W L W.
Leading try scorers: Buccaneers - Martyn Steffert, Rob Lee 3 each. Ballymena - Simon Broughton 4.
Leading points scorers: Buccaneers - Simon Allnutt 52. Ballymena - Simon Mason 59.
Odds: 4/11 Buccaneers, 18/1 Draw, 2/1 Ballymena. Handicap odds: =ballymena +6pts: 5/6 Buccaneers, 16/1 Draw, 5/6 Ballymena.
Referee: M Whyte (Leinster).
Forecast: Buccaneers to win.
Cork Con v Terenure Col
Constitution have failed to function on the road - a single bonus point in Kilternan last time out their only return from four away games. At home, though, they've won all three. The loss of Donnacha O'Callaghan and Mick O'Driscoll from the pack may hurt though, even allowing for John Kelly's return.
Following David Coleman's try-scoring return to colours, Terenure will decide between Shane Cullen and David Lynagh on the left wing. Under Gerry Murphy the Dublin team have proved superbly well-organised and durable, eking out four wins in their last five outings by one, four, three and two points; testimony to their spirit. They'll assuredly put it up to the holders, though Constitution's need is greater.
Last two seasons: Constitution 15 Terenure 18, Terenure 8 Constitution 14.
Last five games: Constitution - L W L W L. Terenure - W W L W W.
Leading try scorers: Constitution - Cian Mahony 2. Terenure - Richie Governey 3.
Leading points scorers: Constitution - Ronan O'gara 65. Terenure - David Lynagh - 65.
Referee: A Watson (Ulster).
Odds: 8/13 Constitution, 16/1 Draw, 5/4 Terenure.
Handicap odds =Terenure +4pts: 5/6 Constitution, 16/1 Draw, 5/6 Terenure.
Forecast: Constitution to win.
DLSP v Shannon
Shannon, with three home games on the run-in, can set themselves up nicely for a late charge at the top four. The absence of John O'Neill and John Lacey dulls their cutting edge, but inside of them they look strong all the way from one to 13, with all four of last week's Ireland heroes named. However, Mick Galwey is rated doubtful with a knee injury.
DLSP found the winning formula last time out and they usually start throwing it around about now. The enigmatic form of both teams means another shock up the mountains is quite conceivable, but Shannon are near the point of no return and, coming off a defeat, will roll their sleeves up.
Last two seasons: Didn't meet.
Last five games: DLSP - L L L L W. Shannon - W W L W L.
Leading try scorers: DLSP - John Corr 3. Shannon - Marcus Horan 3.
Leading points scorers: DLSP - Dave O'Riordan 18. Shannon - Conor Burke - 64.
Referee: I Hyde-Lay (C)
Odds: 9/2 DLSP, 20/1 Draw, 1/8 Shannon.
Handicap odds = DLSP +16pts: 5/6 DLSP, 16/1 Draw, 5/6 Shannon.
Lansdowne v Garryowen
An intriguing match-up between the division's best attack (Garryowen) and the second best defence (Lansdowne). Michael Cosgrave's side concede little cheaply and can absorb lengthy bouts of pressure, which could mean they are cut out to frustrate Garryowen.
The Dublin team have been a bogey team for Garryowen in recent years; and Lansdowne's home form has been very good these past few seasons. Barry Everitt, up against his old club for the first time, has also rediscovered his confidence.
However, this is an unpredictable and match, which looks like a 5050 battle, like those between so many of the current contenders.
Last two meetings: Lansdowne 30 Garryowen 27, Garryowen 15 Lansdowne 17.
Last five games: Lansdowne - L W W L W. Garryowen - L W W L W.
Leading point scorers: Lansdowne - Barry Everitt 93. Garryowen - Killian Keane - 46.
Leading try scorers: Lansdowne - Shane Horgan, Robbie Dolan 2 each. Garryowen - Jeremy Staunton 3.
Odds: 8/11 Lansdowne, 16/1 Draw, 11/10 Garryowen.
Handicap odds =Garryowen +2pts: 5/6 Lansdowne, 16/1 Draw, 5/6 Garryowen.
Referee: A Cole (ARU)
Forecast: Lansdowne to win.
Division Two
UCC v City Of Derry
Wins over Bective and Sunday's Well leave UCC looking dangerous and City of Derry - now clinging onto the fourth and last automatic promotion spot - can ill-afford a slipup in their drive for advancement.
Last five games: UCC - D L L W W. City of Derry - L W W W L. Forecast: City of Derry to win.
Dolphin v Greystones
Dolphin have scored 74 points in their last two winning outings - against Portadown and Wanderers - and gained a maximum 10 points. Greystones have scored 67 but only garnered four points and need a win more - although all their highscoring days have been at home.
Last five games: Dolphin - L L W W W. Greystones - L D L W L.
Forecast: Dolphin to win.
UCD v Malone
UCD's organisation, fitness and sheer obduracy has kept them in the hunt for successive promotions, even if they have had to work hard for every point that has come their way. They will target a win here.
Last five games: UCD - W W L W W. Malone - L W L L L.
Forecast: UCD to win.
Harlequins v Old Crescent
Belfast Harlequins gained their first four-try bonus point last time out against Greystones and with Niall Malone in a rich vein of form they can trouble the leaders. Crescent haven't been particularly free-scoring and this is a huge game.
Last five games: Belfast Harlequins - W W W W W.
Forecast: Crescent to win.
Old Belvedere v Wanderers
Belvedere have scored three tries and 29 points two games ago for no return, and four tries and 37 points for just a couple of bonus points against Dolphin a fortnight ago, so Wanderers are due a change of luck.
Last five games: Old Belvedere - W W L L L. Wanderers -
Forecast: Belvo to win.
Bective v Sunday's Well
Bective's have suffered four successive defeats, while their opponents have also faded from the promotion picture.
Last five games: Bective - W L L L L. Sunday's Well - W L W L L.
Forecast: Sunday's Well to win.
