Previews of the weekend's matches

(all 2.30pm)

DIVISION ONE

Blackrock v Dungannon

Stradbrook, D McCormack (Munster)

After losing their opening two games, albeit on the road, Blackrock's season effectively starts today against a Dungannon team that have conceded the most points (53) in the league to date.

Verdict: Home win.

Clontarf v Ballymena

Castle Avenue, T Collins (Munster)

Having won at St Mary's in round two, Clontarf should have little problem overcoming their Ulster visitors, who have started the campaign in a similar winless vein to last year.

Verdict: Home win.

Cork Constitution v Old Belvedere

Temple Hill, J Peake (Ulster)

Not the ideal excursion for an Old Belvedere team who are yet to grow accustomed to life back in Division One. Constitution have picked up where they left off last spring.

Verdict: Home win.

Garryowen v Dolphin

Dooradoyle, M Hermin (Ulster)

Bad timing for an in-form Dolphin. The champions were felled by Shannon last week so their new coach, Scotsman Greg Oliver, will be seeking an immediate return to normality.

Verdict: Home win.

Greystones v Lansdowne

Dr Hickey Park, D Phillips (Leinster)

Lansdowne have yet to register a try in two matches but the renewal of this old rivalry should remedy that.

Verdict: Away win.

Shannon v UL Bohemians

Coonagh, C Stanley (Ulster)

Shannon will be on the rebound all season, having failed to reach last year's decider, but their ground-sharing companions proved last season they have the structures to also challenge for honours.

Verdict: Home win.

Terenure v Galwegians

Lakelands, S McDowell (Ulster)

Former Leinster standoff David McAllister re-emphasised his worth last week in seeing off Blackrock and despite Galwegians undefeated start his presence should keep the home record intact.

Verdict: Home win.

UCD v St Mary's

Belfield Bowl, M Black (Ulster)

UCD lost a host of potential players to other clubs this season but the structures set in place by the scholarship scheme and influence of new coach Bobby Byrne should ensure they see off a struggling St Mary's.

Verdict: Home win.