All-Ireland League Previews

A run-down of the upcoming All-Ireland league games in brief ...

Blackrock College v Ballymena,

Eaton Park

A potentially tricky tie for the home side and league leaders, Blackrock, as they host a Ballymena team that is likely to be bolstered by Ulster squad players; gifted young centre Ian Whitten for one. ‘Rock will be without Gary Brown while Kyle Tonetti has been with the Ireland Sevens squad all week.

Verdict:Blackrock.

Clontarf v Old Belvedere,

Castle Avenue

It’ll once again be a question of which representative players Clontarf can call upon as they try to stop a two-match losing slide that has seen them slip to third in the table. The visitors could also do with a confidence boost to push them past mid-table.

Verdict:Clontarf.

Cork Constitution v Buccaneers,

Temple Hill

Con thumped Dungannon last time at Stevenson Park and on that evidence will be very difficult to upset at home. Once again it’s hard to clarify who might be parachuted in from the provincial scene for this match. Con centre Tom Gleeson was with the Ireland Sevens squad but could be available.

Verdict:Cork Constitution

Galwegians v UCD,

Crowley Park

The students have shown some excellent form in their last two matches beating the then league leaders Clontarf at Castle Avenue and following that up with a high-scoring victory over Buccaneers at Belfield. Galwegians beat Young Munster but lost at home to Shannon. Heavy pitch conditions would favour the home side.

Verdict:Galwegians.

Garryowen v UL Bohemian,

Dooradoyle

Arguably the match of the day and one that is sure to be keenly contested. UL beat Clontarf last time out but Garryowen have beaten Buccaneers, Old Belvedere, Cork Con, Dungannon and Terenure in succession: the last game they didn’t win was a 17-17 draw with Shannon way back on October 17th.

Verdict:Garryowen.

Shannon v Dungannon,

Thomond Park

Even though the visitors are likely to be strengthened by provincial players anything other than a Shannon victory would constitute a major surprise. The Limerick club will want a bonus point here.

Verdict:Shannon

Young Munster v St Mary’s College,

Tom Clifford Park

In the past this was one of the most keenly contested matches in the club game. Munsters’ need is greater given that they’re second from bottom while if St Mary’s could escape with the points they could nudge closer to the play-off race.

Verdict:Draw.

The Terenure-Dolphin and Dublin University-Highfield matches have been postponed because of unplayable pitches.