The champions are set to be without leading try scorer Peter McKenna due to a back strain and Leinster's concerns about the injury. Alan Conboy will almost certainly deputise but the disruptions could go further as Eddie Hekenui also has a back strain. If he's ruled out, Mark McHugh would move to outhalf and Jason Verdon would become their 30th starting player of the campaign at centre given the unavailability of long-term absentee Ray McIlreavy. Three props, Emmet Byrne, Peter Coyle and Noel Foxe, are again ruled out, but at least Denis Hickie and Malcolm O'Kelly make their second appearances of the season.

ST MARY'S (v Clontarf): A Conboy; D Hickie, G Gannon, M McHugh, J McWeeney; E Hekenui, E McCormack; P Tucker, P Smyth, D Clare, D Griffin, M O'Kelly, T Brennan, V Costello (capt), S Jennings. Replacements: J Verdon, C McPhillips, P Lynch, B Moran, M Donnellan, K Jennings.