A poignant outing against his erstwhile club and long-time teammates for Lansdowne's summer recruit Alan McGowan. He was in typically prolific form for Blackrock when scoring all bar five of their points in the win over Lansdowne last season in his penultimate AIB League game for the Stradbrook club.

Both sides won their opening games last Saturday week, McGowan scoring 18 of Lansdowne's points in their 23-22 win away to DLSP, while Blackrock gained a bonus point in a 35-21 win over Clontarf.

Blackrock make only one change, David Quinlan coming in at inside centre for Andrew Greally in the continuing absence of injured captain Michael Jackson. Lansdowne too make a change in midfield, with the province's new Australian recruit Adam Magro making his debut for the club after the Leinster Branch ratified his decision to join them, with Lorcan O'Brien moving to the wing and Fiachra Baynes to the bench.

Last three seasons: (2000-1) - Blackrock 32, Lansdowne 29; (1999-00) - didn't meet; (1998-99) - Lansdowne 41, Blackrock 22.

Formguide: Lansdowne - W. Blackrock - W.

Leading try scorers: Lansdowne - A Ronan, A McGowan 1 each. Blackrock - A Greally, D Popplewell, G Browne, B Willis 1 each.

Leading points scorers: Lansdowne - A McGowan 18. Blackrock - E Farrell 15.

Forecast: Blackrock to win.