Division One (Saturday)

Buccaneers v St Mary's, Ballinasloe - A more difficult assignment for St Mary's than might first have been suggested when the fixtures were drafted. Buccaneers have acquitted themselves admirably and will provide a stern examination for the visitors up front on a tight pitch that is likely to resemble a gluepot.

Ironically it is the St Mary's pack that has performed trojan work this season and was directly responsible for their fine win over Garryowen. Coach Steve Hennessy has warned his charges that they will have to show greater consistency from week to week. The ability to spring Emmet Byrne from the bench and a greater cutting edge in the back row may just swing this game St Mary's way. Any frality, though, and they will pay dearly.

Betting (Paddy Powers) - 5/6 Buccaneers (+7 pts), 16/1 draw, 5/6 St Mary's (-7 pts). Forecast: St Mary's.

Blackrock v Clontarf, Stradbrook - Injuries diluted Blackrock's challenge last week and they should profit handsomely from the return of Brian Carey at full-back and Robert Casey and Hubie Kos to the second row. Clontarf will make a late decision on Colm Power. The visitors will need to improve significantly behind the scrum if they are to repeat last year's success.

This is a crucial game for both sides and one that the respective managements would have targeted prior to the start of the season. Blackrock are playing the better rugby and coach Kevin West appears to have fostered a genuine spirit and charater amongst the players. The mercurial Alan McGowan and halfback partner Nicky Assaf hold the key to success.

Odds: 5/6 Blackrock (-8 pts), 16/1 draw, 5/6 Clontarf (+8 pts).

Forecast: Blackrock.

Lansdowne v Galwegians, Lansdowne Road (back pitch) - Defeat last week should produce a Lansdowne backlash. Coach Mick Cosgrave has sensibly switched Gordon D'Arcy to full-back providing a greater thrust and potency if the ball can be worked wide. The home side need to develop their attacking gambits if they are to maintain their push towards the play-offs.

Galwegians welcome back Junior Charlie at flanker and that will provide them with greater physical presence but it is behind the scrum that they badly need direction. The spectre of the Five Nations looms large so for Eric Elwood and Pat Duignan the time is nigh to rediscover their best form. Difficult to see anything other than a Lansdowne victory.

Odds: 5/6 Lansdowne (-16 pts), 16/1 draw, 5/6 Galwegians (+16 pts).

Forecast: Lansdowne.

Garryowen v Cork Constitution, Dooradoyle - Important game for the home side who performed poorly last time out against St Mary's. Injury has deprived them of New Zealand centre Rob Durno while futher changes see the introduction of Robert Laffan and Fergus Costello in the pack with Paul Hogan moving to number eight.

Constitution are without Munster left wing Anthony Horgan but are close to being back to full strength. Victory over a depleted Blackrock side will have given the team confidence but one suspects that their Limerick opponents will be more formidable.

Odds: 5/6 Garryowen (-5 pts), 16/1 draw, 5/6 Constitution (+5 pts).

Forecast: Garryowen.

Young Munster v Shannon, Clifford Park - Last week's postponement, despite their protestations, won't have done Shannon too much harm. New Zealander Rhys Ellison is restored to the team while Alan Quinlan - hissuspension served without missing a game - will be on the bench. Coach Pat Murray intimated that Shannon trained well over Christmas. Tomorrow his team will be able to substantiate that claim.

Munsters have shown character and determination to carve out victories while some way below their best. If they really want to make a statement of intent, then victory over Shannon is the best way. The home side will be hoping that Peter Boland and Ger Earls pass late fitness tests. Should be very close.

Odds: 5/6 Young Munster (+6 pts), 16/1 draw, 5/6 Shannon (-6 pts).

Forecast: Shannon.

Division Two (Saturday)

Bective Rangers v Old Crescent, Donnybrook - The formbook suggests that Bective should prevail having secured a superb away win against Sunday's Well, a venue at which Old Crescent came a cropper. Bective, though, will be without Bryn Cunningham. Forecast: Old Crescent.

Dolphin v Wanderers, Musgrave Park - Both sides will see this this as a must-win game. Wanderers boast the better credentials and should therefore prevail.

Forecast: Wanderers.

Old Belvedere v DLSP, Anglesea Road - Both teams are poised to challenge with two wins in three games. Today's victors would take a significant step forward in the promotion scramble. Belevedere are without a couple of key players and may suffer as a result.

Forecast: DLSP.

Skerries v Portadown, Holmpatrick - Despite an emphatic defeat away to divisional leaders Malone, Skerries should get back to winning ways, something which they need to do quickly if they want to sustain promotion ambitions.

Forecast: Skerries.

Old Wesley v Greystones, Donnybrook - It seems a little early in the season to overstate the importance of matches but if Old Wesley lose again tomorrow, then they are in serious relegation trouble. Reports suggest they are playing well but will that be well enough? No.

Forecast: Greystones.

UCC v Sunday's Well, Mardyke - This local derby in Cork promises to be an excellent occasion. The students won well in midweek in the European Universities Cup quarter-final while the 'Well lost somewhat surprisingly last time out.

Forecast: Sunday's Well.