This weekend's fixtures

Ballymena v Galwegians, Eaton Park

Galwegians appear to have added resilience to their competitive nature this year and it will be required for today's visit to Ballymena, who are desperate to salvage their disastrous opening to the season. Defeat to Buccaneers at home should lead to a backlash that may finally give the Antrim club an opening victory of their own.

Referee: D Keane (Leinster).

Last three matches: Ballymena - L L L. Galwegians - L W.

Verdict: Home win.

Blackrock v Terenure, Stradbrook

Terenure coach Kevin West, formerly of Blackrock, witnessed the Dolphin pack steamroll their Blackrock counterparts last Sunday so the smart money would be on the other newly promoted club to repeat the process. Blackrock are without Adam Byrnes and Michael Berne, who are on Leinster duty tonight.

Referee: O Trevor (Munster).

Last three matches: Blackrock - L L W. Terenure - W W L.

Verdict: Home win.

Buccaneers v St Mary's College, Dubarry Park

Success in the AIL, as in all rugby competitions, is based on ensuring the key components are allowed to dictate matters. With that in mind, the outhalf and place kicker tends to be king. St Mary's, in Jonathan Sexton, have as good a conductor as any club in Division One. If he plucks the right strings, St Mary's can win.

Referee: M Kilgore (Ulster).

Last three matches: Buccaneers - W L L. St Mary's - W W L.

Verdict: Home win.

Clontarf v UCD, Castle Avenue

Both clubs have been going through a period of player restructuring. UCD needed something to revive them after a rocky opening few weeks - Lansdowne last week and now Clontarf provide plenty of motivation.

Referee: E O'Dowd (Leinster).

Last three matches: Clontarf - L W L. UCD - D L L.

Verdict: Home win.

Cork Constitution v Belfast Harlequins, Temple Hill

In recent times Belfast Harlequins became established as perennial play-off contenders. Whether they can sustain that level of consistency will get the sternest of examinations in Cork today because Con will be in the hunt for honours come summer.

Referee: A Rogan (Leinster).

Last three matches: Cork Con - L W W. Harlequins - L L W

Verdict: Cork Con

Dungannon v Dolphin, Stevenson Park

Dolphin captain James Coughlan's deserved promotion to the Munster bench may curtail the flankers involvement today, which would be a shame, especially for the Cork clubs go-forward ball. Dungannon finally got their first win of the season last week so that confidence must be maintained here.

Referee: J Carvill (Leinster).

Last three matches: Dungannon - W L L. Dolphin - W W W.

Verdict: Away win.

Lansdowne v UL Bohemians, Lansdowne Road

UL Bohemians, much like last season, have been the feel-good story of the AIL. That could come crashing down around them today as the military precision of Lansdowne comes to bear. Curtail Ben Martin's pot shots at goal and the home team should prevail.

Referee: S McDowell (Ulster).

Last three matches: Lansdowne - D L W. UL Bohs - W W W.

Verdict: Home win.

Shannon v Garryowen, Thomond Park

The fallout from Shannon's mass exodus in the summer has yet to be really tested but they will be pushed all the way this afternoon. Seán Cronin has made the Munster bench for tomorrow so his presence is in doubt. They'll need him. They'll need everyone.

Referee: P Fitzgibbon (Munster).

Last three matches: Shannon - W W W. Garryowen - L W W.

Verdict: Away win