Today

Division One

Garryowen v Terenure College

Despite the absence of Ireland Under-21 wing Conor Kilroy, Garryowen should maintain their relentless pursuit of Shannon and in doing so all but guarantee a place in the play-offs. Terenure's season has largely disintegrated after a promising start and offers nothing more than mid-table mediocrity. Garryowen to continue their winning ways.

Old Crescent v St Mary's

The home side will be desperate to prolong the Dublin club's miserable record in Limerick this season for at least another match. Mary's are aware that they simply cannot afford another slip-up and will be keen to restart a final push towards the play-offs. They appear to have a surfeit of pace and power for a game Crescent team.

Ballymena v Lansdowne

The absence of international wing James Topping allows Ballymena coach Nelie Smith to reshuffle his backline with no obvious loss of potency. The Ulster side know that nothing other than victory will suffice. They must rediscover some sort of form against a Lansdowne team that has struggled all season. Fortunately for the visitors, Kurt McQuilkin is present to marshal the defence, but that might not be enough.

Division Two

Malone v Greystones

The Ulster side are capable of beating any side in the division on a given day, but unfortunately there haven't been many of those. Completely unpredictable, Malone face a Greystones side who are showing signs of recovery after a poor run: the visitors' upward spiral to continue.

Sunday's Well v Galwegians

The Connacht side have survived some ropey performances in recent times, but need to be more authoritative against a Sunday's Well side that will offer a serious test at Musgrave: serious that is without being fatal.

Buccaneers v Instonians

Buccaneers will celebrate the announcement, this week, of a new two-year deal for coach Eddie O'Sullivan with victory at Dr Keane Park. Should continue to fulfil their destiny, runners-up to Galwegians.

Skerries v UCC

The students will be looking to become the second Cork team to take both points from fortress Holmpatrick. Skerries hammered Monkstown last time out, but may not pass this test.

Wanderers v Old Wesley

Today's visitors deserve the mantle of Leinster's most-improved side this season, graduating from a shambling mess into a competent team at this level. Wanderers have lived in the shadow of the leaders without offering a meaningful threat. Deprived of key individuals, they may falter again.

Tomorrow

Division One

Shannon v Young Munster

An eagerly awaited confrontation that will be replete with the qualities that make Limerick derbies such compelling viewing. Young Munster relish a challenge, particularly one that would give them city bragging rights. On a more practical level, victory would cement a place in the last four. Shannon, at full strength, continue to set the benchmark in club rugby. Munsters, notoriously slow starters this season, would not survive a lacklustre opening. Shannon to prevail.