Previews of the weekend's fixtures

Division One (2.30)

Dolphin v Lansdowne (Musgrave Park)

The Cork side have been something of a revelation this season, their only defeat in four matches a one-point loss to Garryowen at Dooradoyle. Lansdowne were well beaten by Blackrock last time out, their other loss coming against UL Bohemian.

Verdict: Dolphin.

Galwegians v UL Bohemian (Glenina)

The Connacht club have won both of their home games this season and confirmed they travel quite well to boot losing by just a couple of points to Terenure and by an even narrower margin to Dolphin in their last match. The only defeat suffered by UL Bohemians was in the Limerick derby against Shannon (16-6), their three wins coming against Leinster clubs.

This could be very close.

Verdict: Galwegians.

Garryowen v Clontarf (Dooradoyle)

The form line through this tie suggests the hosts should be strong favourites to prevail. In previous years this would have been one of the matches of the season but Clontarf are struggling a little, albeit having faced some strong opposition in the opening stages of the league. Garryowen's only defeat was at home to Shannon (6-8) and they should have enough to win.

Verdict: Garryowen.

Greystones v Ballymena (Dr Hickey Park)

The Wicklow club have struggled with a lengthy injury list from the opening day of the season, at one point having nine first-choice players out. They are a better representation of their first-choice team for this match. Ballymena will look to bully their hosts up front but Greystones might obtain just enough ball to hold sway.

Verdict: Greystones.

Shannon v Blackrock (Coonagh)

There is a familiar look to the top of the table, the perennial champions Shannon having won all four matches to date, including a superb away victory to Garryowen. The one thing Blackrock guarantee is entertainment, thanks to the number of points they amass. The question is whether, on what is likely to be a limited amount of possession, they can score more than they concede.

Verdict: Shannon.

St Mary's College v Dungannon (Templeville Road)

Rooted to the foot of the table and without a win, St Mary's will be aware that this represents a massive game against a team just two places above them. Anything other than a win for the Dublin club and their season could quickly turn into a relegation scrap, alongside their visitors today.

Verdict: St Mary's.

Terenure College v Cork Constitution, (Lakelands)

Con are the only other unbeaten team in the division, albeit having drawn their most recent outing, at home to Garryowen. They had won their three previous games and will be confident of adding to that record. Terenure have started the season reasonably well but may find today's opponents a significant step up in ability.

Verdict: Con.

UCD v Old Belvedere (Belfield)

Belvedere have forged a reputation as being a tough side to beat but with only one victory to date they'll need to translate gritty performances into commensurate results. UCD were well beaten in Ballymena the last day and will need to improve appreciably. They have the artillery behind the scrum but their pack need to provide the shells.

Verdict: UCD.