Division One
Cork Constitution v Lansdowne, Temple Hill (2.30).
League leaders Constitution will be hoping to increase their advantage at the top while most of their main rivals are inactive due to the weather. Following a pitch inspection yesterday morning, the playing surface at Temple Hill was deemed to be acceptable for rugby. Lansdowne would have liked a postponement given the fact that they are without six first-choice players, including their four contracted players, Shane Horgan, Gordon D'Arcy, Reggie Corrigan and Liam Toland.
Better news for coach Brian Allen is that Angus McKeen and Stephen Rooney have recovered from injury and rejoin the pack. In essence they must pursue a damage limitation policy, given a considerably weakened team and the fact that they face the form side in the division. Constitution have been most impressive, notably last time out away to Terenure.
Ronan O'Gara returns to outhalf, Conor Mahony moves to the centre with John Kelly switching to the right wing. Ian Murray is suspended, so Rob McGrath comes into the front row. Anything other than a comfortable victory for the home side would constitute a major surprise. They boast a young, mobile, ball-playing pack and excellent backs, an amalgam that should guarantee victory and probably a bonus point to boot.
Last three years: Cork Con 26 Lansdowne 19; Lansdowne 24 Cork Con 17; Cork Con 25 Lansdowne 14.
Formguide: Cork Con - WWWW; Lansdowne - DWWL.
Leading try scorers: Cork Con: C Taylor 4; Lansdowne: L O'Brien 2.
Leading points scorers: Cork Con: B O'Meara 58; Lansdowne: M Woods 22.
Referee: G Doyle (IRFU).
Odds (Courtesy of Paddy Power) - Handicap betting only (Lansdowne + 14 points) - 10/11 Cork Con, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Lansdowne.
Forecast: Cork Constitution to win.
Shannon v Clontarf, Thomond Park, Sunday (12.30).
The Limerick club were keen for the match to take place - hence it going ahead on Sunday - given that Shannon are already a match behind, having had a previous game, against Belfast Harlequins postponed. John Langford is a notable absentee but the club's excellent development policy at underage level has allowed them to blood several younger players already without the slightest effect on results.
Brian Buckley moves to the second row with Redmond Collins coming in at blindside flanker. Coach Conor McDermott can afford the luxury of leaving scrumhalf Peter Stringer and flanker Alan Quinlan on the bench. Clontarf showed good character last time out against Young Munster, finishing strongly to snatch a bonus point. However, tomorrow's opponents are appreciably stronger and unless Shannon are very undisciplined, drawing the boot of Richie Murphy into the equation, the home side should win.
Last three seasons: Shannon 31 Clontarf 6; Clontarf 9, Shannon 24; Shannon 40 Clontarf 33.
Formguide: Shannon - WWW; Clontarf - WLWL.
Leading try scorers: Shannon: J O'Neill, M Horan 2 each; Clontarf: B Baggot 3.
Leading points scorers: Shannon: A Thompson 27; Clontarf: R Murphy 47.
Referee: T Redmond (IRFU).
Odds: Handicap betting only (Clontarf + 15 points) - 10/11 Shannon, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Clontarf.
Forecast: Shannon to win.
Division Two
UCD v Greystones, Belfield (2.30, pitch inspection at 12.0.
While the underfoot conditions today are likely to be unfavourable, this could still provide one of the most entertaining clashes of the divisional season. Both sides like to move the ball around and given that sort of undertaking, the respective wingers should not be in danger of hypothermia. Greystones' form away from their Dr Hickey stronghold has not been as prolific and the students would be favoured to edge past their visitors. It's an important game for both teams as they each boast three wins from five games.
Last two seasons: didn't meet; Greystones 6 UCD 10.
Formguide: UCD - WWLWL; Greystones - WLWLW.
Forecast: UCD to win.
Midleton v UCC, Towns Park (2.30).
Another clash that pits teams with identical records - won three, lost two - against each other. Midleton will have to do without interprovincial playmaker Jason Holland - a considerable setback. UCC have enjoyed a couple of good victories this season and might just sneak past their Cork rivals in a close encounter.
Last two seasons: didn't meet, didn't meet.
Formguide: Midleton - LWWWL; UCC - WLWLW.
Forecast: UCC to win.
Dolphin v Bective Rangers, Musgrave Park (2.30).
The home side has been struggling this season but the conditions could be a mitigating factor in today's clash. Bective Rangers have enjoyed a fine season to date, winning three of their four matches and find themselves just five points adrift of leaders Old Belvedere, having played a game less. A cloying surface would enhance Dolphin's chances but Bective should still be strong enough to prevail.
Last two seasons: Bective 19 Dolphin 16; Dolphin 16 Bective 13.
Formguide: Dolphin - WLLLL; Bective - WLWW.
Forecast: Bective Rangers to win.
Carlow v Old Belvedere, Oak Park (2.30).
A mouth-watering clash that sees league leaders Old Belvedere set to travel to third-placed Carlow. This is a difficult assignment judging by the fate suffered by visitors to Oak Park this season, most notably UCD. Belvedere will rely on their free scoring interprovincial halfbacks, Simon Keogh and Andy Dunne, but it is the physical challenge up front that will test the visitors' mettle. Carlow would be marginal favourites but Belvedere might just conjure the upset of the day.
Last two seasons: no corresponding fixture.
Formguide: Carlow - WWWLL; Old Belvedere - WWWDW.
Forecast: Old Belvedere to win.
