All-Ireland League Round-up: The All-Ireland league always takes a strange twist at this time of year. Players start filtering down from the provincial and even international set-ups to help clubs make that final push for the play-offs or, as withLansdowne, avoid the relegation equivalent.
The really competitive squads don't rely on the professional visitors but still suffer from the effects. On Saturday, Clontarf were beaten at home by a Lansdowne side bolstered by Felipe Contepomi and Gordon D'Arcy in the backs and Aidan McCullen and Niall Ronan in the backrow.
They ran in three tries in the 19-7 victory, the fit-again D'Arcy and Contepomi naturally having a huge input. Ronan, Greg Stafford and Johnny Murphy profited from the addition of class to cross the line.
Lansdowne remain bottom of the pile but play Dublin University next Saturday in a real do-or-die affair, probably without their stars as Leinster are back in Celtic League action in Glasgow.
Trinity still look a surer bet though to face Dolphin, UL Bohemians or St Mary's in a relegation play-off after they were beaten by fellow strugglers Carlow in College Park.
That old warhorse Andy Melville came in at half-time and, along with Des Dillon, ultimately made the difference up front.
The result at Castle Avenue may yet unravel Clontarf's season.
If Ballymena beat Dungannon in the rearranged fixture on Wednesday evening and overcome the beleaguered Buccaneers in their final game, with Clontarf losing to Harlequins in Belfast, the Ulster club will sneak into the semi-finals.
A trip to Limerick is the reward for whoever makes it.
Shannon shredded Buccaneers in Ballinasloe, running in eight tries in a champions-elect display.
The visit of Cork Constitution to Thomond Park on Saturday will help sort out the home semi-final berths.
Despite missing half of their team, Belfast Harlequins rubbed salt in the wounds of Cork Constitution's disappointing season with a 27-23 win that included the bonus point.
Still, they probably need to get the likes of the injured Ian Humphreys back if they are to be genuine title challengers.
The only bright spark from Munster's point of view at Temple Hill was the return of Denis Leamy from injury.
Garryowen are sitting the prettiest this week in second place as they face Blackrock, whose season is practically done, in Dooradoyle this coming weekend.
The Limerick pack bossed UCD around the Belfield Bowl to keep the pressure on Shannon, while Blackrock were beaten at home by Galwegians 14-13.
So, there's plenty to be sorted out at the top and bottom with more cameos expected from the professional contingent on the final weekend of the regular season. That is, of course, if they choose to answer the clubs' calls.
