Division OneDLSP v Old Crescent, Kilternan - This is a match which both clubs will have targeted as a must-win encounter. DLSP coach Phil Werahiko was very disappointed with his side's opening performance against Ballymena. The return of Romanian international Mihai Vioreanu and secondrow Kenny Wheelock should make a difference. Crescent's discipline was poor in their defeat by Blackrock and they need to generate greater variety: a big, rumbling pack won't suffice. Kilternan is a difficult venue for any side but Crescent, through the boot of Brian Begley, might just manage to win.
Referee: S McDowell (IRFU).
Last three seasons (1997-2000): didn't meet; didn't meet; didn't meet.
Odds (Courtesy of Paddy Powers): 10/11 DLSP, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Old Crescent.
Verdict: Old Crescent.
Young Munster v Galwegians, Clifford Park - No Peter Clohessy or Mike Mullins but Young Munster will be buoyed by the return of points scoring full back Tommy Cregan. Coach Matt te Pou is attempting to drag Munsters away from a forward dominated pattern. Mick Lynch's performance at outhalf against St Mary's suggests that he has the vision to exploit their new approach. Galwegians needed a modicum of good fortune late on against Dungannon but survived to record a winning start. This one could be very close, the result riding on Munsters' ability to penetrate behind the scrum.
Referee: B Smith (IRFU).
Last three seasons: didn't meet; Galwegians 3 Young Munster 6; didn't meet.
Odds: 8/11 Young Munster, 16/1 draw, evens Galwegians. Handicap: 10/11 Young Munster (-2 pts), 16/1 draw, 10/11 Galwegians (+ 2pts).
Verdict: Galwegians.
Buccaneers v Lansdowne, Moher Road - Shane Horgan's absence with a neck strain is a huge blow to the visitors. The return of Gordon D'Arcy at full back, though, is a boost as is Liam Toland's presence in the back row following a groin problem. Buccaneers are without wing Darren Yapp but Robbie Lee returns at full back. Their vaunted pack underachieved against Clontarf but should not be so lacklustre again. It's a match likely to be dominated by the respective packs with the home side to edge home.
Referee: A Rolland (IRFU).
Last three seasons: didn't meet; Buccaneers 14 Lansdowne 11; Lansdowne 31 Buccaneers 17.
Odds: Evens Buccaneers, 16/1 draw, 8/11 Lansdowne. Handicap: 10/11 Buccaneers (+ 2), 16/1 draw, 10/11 Lansdowne (-2).
Verdict: Buccaneers.
Garryowen v Cork Constitution, Dooradoyle - Fate might have smiled a little more kindly on Garryowen, having to face Shannon and now Constitution in their first two matches. The home side were poor the last day, by their standard, and will need to be far more precise in the set pieces. The absence of David Wallace (hand injury) will be keenly felt while Tom Tierney will also be missing. Constitution sources suggest that Ronan O'Gara will return and, if anything, they will be stronger on paper than last week - an ominous proposition for their hosts.
Referee: D McHugh (IRFU).
Last three seasons: Cork Con 15 Garryowen 23; Garryowen 24 Cork Con 22 (final of that season: Cork Con 14 Garryowen 11); Cork Con 26 Garryowen 13.
Odds: 6/5 Garryowen, 16/1 draw, 4/6 Cork Constitution. Handicap: 10/11 Garryowen (+ 4), 16/1 draw, 10/11 Cork Constitution (- 4).
Verdict: Constitution.
Blackrock College v Ballymena, Stradbrook - Nathan Turner's absence is a significant blow, the Australian having delivered on his reputation in recent weeks. Number eight Dan McGettigan is also missing. Blackrock manufactured a very fine win in Rosbrien but if they are to enjoy back-to-back victories, Gary Halpin, Bob Casey, Shane Byrne and captain Leo Cullen will need to be a source of inspiration. Ballymena boast a strong, mobile eight and in centres Rhys Botha and Shane Stewart have great penetration through the middle. James Topping is a consummate finisher and overall the Ulster club seem to have the batter balanced team.
Referee: A Lewis (IRFU).
Last three seasons: Ballymena 44 Blackrock 6; Blackrock 33 Ballymena 13; didn't meet.
Odds: 10/11 Blackrock, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Ballymena.
Verdict: Ballymena.
Dungannon v St Mary's College, Stevenson Park - The good news for the home side is that international outhalf David Humphreys has recovered from an ankle injury. Justin Fitzpatrick is out but he is replaced by the experienced Richard Mackey with Alaister Clarke returning in the centre. St Mary's give debuts to fullback Darragh Hughes and right wing Graham Ingles. Brian Moran starts at tighthead prop. It's encouraging for Brent Pope that Eddie Hekenui is fit to return at outhalf and there is still a chance that Trevor Brennan may play. Ravaged by injury, St Mary's travel more in hope than expectation against a Dungannon side who have shipped their fair share of casualties, too. The home team seem better equipped to shore up the gaps.
Referee: D Tyndall (IRFU).
Last three seasons: St Mary's 70 Dungannon 29; didn't meet; Dungannon 9 St Mary's 13.
Odds: 4/11 Dungannon, 18/1 draw, 2/1 St Mary's. Handicap: 10/11 Dungannon (- 8), 16/1 draw, 10/11 St Mary's (+ 8).
Verdict: Dungannon.
Terenure College v Clontarf, Lakelands - The visitors retain the team that beat Buccaneers with a fine second-half performance in their first match for the repeat of the recent Leinster Senior Cup final. Clontarf were thrashed that night and coach Alex Wyllie correctly surmised that they couldn't be as bad again. Terenure exploited the four-up defence and also punched numerous holes on the fringes. While Clontarf should be forewarned and therefore forearmed, Terenure still appear to have more strength in depth, with Eric Miller giving an extra dimension.
Referee: D Courtney (IRFU).
Last three seasons: Clontarf 36 Terenure 17; Terenure 18 Clontarf 32; Clontarf 24 Terenure 36.
Odds: 1/3 Terenure, 20/1 draw, 9/4 Clontarf. Handicap: 10/11 Terenure (- 9), 16/1 draw, 10/11 Clontarf (+ 9).
Verdict: Terenure.
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon, Ormeau Road - Match postponed due to unplayable pitch.
Division Two
Sunday's Well v Malone, Musgrave Park - Malone enjoyed an emphatic win last time out but the long trip to Cork may count against the Belfast club who traditionally don't travel well. Sunday's Well were beaten last time out but can get back to winning ways.
Referee: A Baird (IRFU).
Verdict: Sunday's Well.
UCD v Dolphin, Belfield - Any complacency that the students might have felt after a fine start to the season was well and truly knocked out of them in a heavy defeat to Carlow last week. Suitably focussed, UCD should prove that the Carlow match was merely a blip.
Referee: L Mayne (IRFU).
Verdict: UCD.
City of Derry v Old Belvedere - Without a win this season, Derry did not have a match last week and it is doubtful whether they can arrest the losing streak when the unbeaten Dublin side, second in the table, visit Judge's Road.
Referee: G Bennett (IRFU).
Verdict: Old Belvedere.
UL Bohemian v UCC, Thomond Park - The Limerick club appeared to be heading towards a fine away victory over Greystones last week but succumbed to a fine second-half performance. Despite trailing UCC in the table, they should prove too strong.
Referee: D Keane (IRFU).
Verdict: UL Bohemian.
Portadown v Ballynahinch, Chambers Park - Even without international flanker Andy Ward who is on duty with the Barbarians in Cardiff tomorrow, Ballynahinch should be too capable for their Ulster rivals.
Referee: J Sheehan (IRFU).
Verdict: Ballynahinch.
Midleton v County Carlow, Towns Park - Carlow thrashed the then table toppers UCD last week to climb to the top of the pile. They face a Midleton side that have been beaten once in three outings and could inflict a surprise first defeat on today's visitors.
Referee: A McGowan (IRFU).
Verdict: Midleton.
Wanderers v Bective Rangers, Lansdowne Road - The home side produced a reasonably good performance to run Belvedere close the last day while Bective will play their first game in two weeks. A big match for both clubs.
Referee: D Napier (IRFU).
Verdict: Bective Rangers.
Old Wesley v Greystones, Donnybrook - Three defeats in as many matches sees Wesley rooted to the foot of the table. Greystones are third and their fine, young backline is starting to gel which seems to indicate yet more trouble for the home side.
Referee: G Doyle (IRFU).
Verdict: Greystones.
