The Celtic League has thrown up two home derbys to kick-start the New Year, with Leinster playing hosts to Ulster and Munster travelling to Connacht this Friday evening.
The good news for Leinster is that Felipe Contepomi is finally set to make his home debut, as the province returns to the preferred ground of Donnybrook (kick-off 7.30).
Contepomi has played only one match, away to the Neath-Swansea Ospreys, since hooking up with his new team-mates after the World Cup, after an administrative error made him ineligible to play in the group stages of the European Cup.
A team is expected to be named today. The management are awaiting the return of the bulk of their squad from yesterday's (and, weather permitting, today's) Irish training camp in Naas. The only injury concern for Gary Ella is Malcolm O'Kelly, who is suffering from influenza. If there is no improvement, O'Kelly may be held back for next week's European Cup match against Sale at Lansdowne Road.
Meanwhile, Munster coach Alan Gaffney is awaiting fitness reports on John Hayes (calf) and Anthony Horgan (hamstring) before naming a 23-man squad tomorrow for Friday's match against Connacht at Dubarry Park (kick-off 7.0). Hayes was injured in Munster's European Cup whitewashing of Benetton Treviso. He is also in camp with the Irish squad in Dublin and took a full part in yesterday's contact session.
Connacht have the advantage of having their players together this week, while Munster will only have their full contingent together for a captain's run on New Year's Day.
Yet, Michael Bradley's squad must also play the waiting game as several of their players are fighting to be passed fit. Andrew Farley and Mark McHugh recently underwent operations of the groin and foot respectively.
"We need to wait and see how these players fair out over the next couple of days. Also, hooker Bernard Jackman is away training with the Irish squad and we need to get a status report on him," said Bradley.
"We did very well against Beziers and hope to build on that against Connacht. It promises to be a great occasion and we are hopeful of a big crowd in Dubarry Park on Friday evening."
Prop Warren O'Kelly is doubtful, but his absence would be offset by the return of Ireland A international Peter Bracken after recovering from cruciate knee surgery. Bracken has been out of action since early in 2003 after sustaining the injury playing for Galwegians. After undergoing an operation last June, he played his first competitive match against Dungannon in the AllIreland League a fortnight ago.
Bracken may have to be content with a place on the replacements bench, as Adrian Clarke is expected to hold down the tighthead slot after a competent display in the European Shield tie against Beziers.
FIXTURES
Friday
Celtic League: Leinster Lions v Ulster, Donnybrook, 7.30; Connacht v Munster, Dubarry Park, Athlone, 7.0
Saturday
All-Ireland League (kick-off 2:30) - Division One: Blackrock College v Shannon, Clontarf v Ballymena, Co Carlow v Cork Constitution, Dolphin v Lansdowne, St Mary's College v Buccaneers. Division Two: Barnhall v Sunday's Well, De La Salle Palmerston v Waterpark, Midleton v Old Belvedere, Old Crescent v Bective Rangers, Dublin University v Thomond, Terenure College v UCC. Division Three: Clonakilty v Naas, Old Wesley v Ballina, Skerries v Greystones, Suttonians v Highfield, Wanderers v Banbridge.
