RUGBY: While this Saturday's televised match between Garryowen (34 points) and Shannon (41 points), fourth and first respectively in the AIB All-Ireland League, will take centre stage, there are a number of sides still capable of finishing in one of the top four play-off places with three weekends remaining.
The three matches offer a maximum total of 15 points, an unlikely target for any team given that a victory combined with four tries is required to earn five points. In the last round of matches two weeks ago only Clontarf - in third place, also with 34 points - and Shannon scored four tries or more.
While Shannon concentrate on their Limerick neighbours at Dooradoyle, Cork Constitution in second place (39 points) travel to struggling Carlow.
Clontarf, who are showing good form, face a testing away match against Buccaneers while UCD, in fifth position and on 34 points with Clontarf and Garryowen, prepare for a difficult trip to Blackrock at Stradbrook.
Of all the first division teams, it has been Blackrock who have worked the bonus system best. Although they have won only five games from 12 matches, they have earned six bonus points, one more than Shannon and Dungannon, who have five each.
Permutations remain complex but leaders Shannon (whose run-in includes Buccaneers at home and Terenure away) and second placed Cork Constitution (who entertain Terenure before travelling to Buccaneers) are likely to stay at the top of the table. The tied trio of Clontarf, Garryowen and UCD are primed to contest the final two play-off places.
Terenure, in sixth with 32 points, appear strongly placed for a late surge, although their last two games are against Shannon and Cork Constitution.
The top two teams are guaranteed a home draw in the April 13th play-off semi final (the winners play the fourth-placed team, with the runners-up hosting the third-placed team).
"Our objective, apart from qualifying, is to get a home draw. The next two matches will tell all," says Shannon coach Geoff Moylan.
"In our match against Garryowen, form goes out the window. Limerick derbies are like that. It has always been the way. I suppose the pressure is on them because they have to win."
At the bottom of the table only a mathematical miracle will keep Young Munster - who have a meagre seven points - in Division One. They have won just one league match from 12. DLSP, Carlow, Dungannon and Ballymena are in danger of becoming the second team to take the drop.
In Division Two, Belfast Harlequins, coached by Andre Bester, who last season made the move from Ballymena to Ormeau Road, have already secured promotion.
COUNTDOWN FOR THE TOP-SIX
Shannon (41 pts) v Garryowen (a), Buccaneers (h), Terenure (a)
Cork Con. (39 pts) v Carlow (a), Terenure (h), Buccaneers (a)
Clontarf (34 pts) v Buccaneers (a), Young Munster (h), Dungannon (a)
Garryowen (34pts) v Shannon (h), Ballymena (a), UCD (h)
UCD (34pts) Blackrock College (a)Carlow (h), Garryowen (a)
Terenure (32 pts) v Lansdowne (h), Cork Con. (a), Shannon (h)
SATURDAY
(2.30 unless stated)
DIVISION ONE: Blackrock v UCD, Stradbrook; Buccaneers v Clontarf, Ericsson Park; Carlow v Cork Constitution, Oak Park; Dungannon v Galwegians, Stevenson Park; DLSP v Ballymena, Kilternan; Garryowen v Shannon, Dooradoyle; Terenure v Lansdowne, Lakelands; Young Munster v St Mary's College, Tom Clifford Park.
DIVISION TWO: Barnhall v Belfast Harlequins, Parsonstown; City of Derry v Old Crescent, Judges Road; Portadown v Bective Rangers, Chambers Park; Sundays Well v Old Belvedere, Musgrave Park; Thomond v Ballynahinch, Liam Fitzgerald Park; UCC v Malone, Mardyke Grounds; UL Bohemians v Dolphin, Thomond Park; Wanderers v Midleton, Merrion Road
DIVISION THREE: Connemara v Clonakilty, Monastery Field; Corinthians v Monkstown, Corinthian Park; Dublin University v Ballina, College Park; Instonians v Suttonians, Shaws Bridge; Old Wesley v Greystones, Donnybrook; Richmond v Bangor, Canal Bank; Skerries v Naas, Holmpatrick; Waterpark v Banbridge, Ballinakill.
