Division One

Garryowen v Lansdowne, Dooradoyle

The Limerick side are able to call upon a full squad and number eight Ben Cronin returns to the back row after injury. Victory over Shannon in the last game underlined the ability within the Garryowen team and they have demonstrated the happy knack of stealing matches they could have lost.

Lansdowne's record camouflages several poor performances, although they have shown greater potency with the return of Gordon D'Arcy. If they are to prevail then several of their "big name" players are going to have to produce decent displays. It should be close and entertaining, with the home side to squeak home.

Referee: A Lewis (Leinster)

Forecast: Garryowen

Blackrock v Young Munster, Stradbrook

Injuries have stripped the veneer from Blackrock's excellent opening to the season and they now find themselves grateful that there are a few teams less fortunate than themselves. Brian Carey's return is a boost but the front row lacks familiar faces with Tom Stapleton and Paul Jordan deputising.

Munsters are without Peter Clohessy, who has a slight shoulder problem. Mick Fitzgerald deputises, with Des Clohessy switching to tighthead. Young Fergal Cusack is included on the wing. Blackrock may not have the strength up front to compete.

Referee: A Watson (Ulster)

Forecast: Young Munster

Ballymena v Buccaneers, Eaton Park

Ballymena coach Andre Bester must do without Jan Cunningham, Mark Blair, Derek Topping and Tony McWhirter, yet refuses to be daunted. Buccaneers continue to confound the pundits. They are at full strength and providing they retain the focus and discipline of recent performances could conjure another victory. Referee: D Tyndall (Leinster)

Forecast: Buccaneers

Galwegians v Clontarf, Crowley Park

George Hook bids to arrest a disastrous slide this season for the Connacht side, and in doing so may opt for several positional changes. Pat Duignan may start on the wing, Alan Reddan in the centre and Diarmuid Reddan at scrum-half. The Clontarf team boasts a solid pack and a potential match winner in Richie Murphy. If the latter kicks his goals then the visitors will be difficult to beat. Galwegians to improve but not sufficiently.

Referee: D McHugh (Munster)

Forecast: Clontarf

St Mary's v Shannon, Templeville Road

Both teams are handicapped by the absence of big performers. St Mary's must do without international number eight Victor Costello, although they are able to introduce the talented Karl Jennings. They will require another huge performance from the pack and in particular the tight five.

Shannon don't appear as resolute defensively without Rhys Ellison, but the return of Jim Galvin at out-half should give them direction. Conor Burke moves to the centre with Jason Hayes taking over from Brian Roche at full back. St Mary's enjoy a good home record against Shannon, so this one should be close.

Referee: S Young (Australia)

Forecast: Draw

Terenure v Cork Constitution, Lakelands

The Cork side have not built upon several good displays this season. They simply must win more matches. David Corkery's ability to stop Eric Miller and thereby cut down on Terenure's options in possession will be central to the outcome. Constitution may edge the forward battle and if they manage to achieve this then have the wherewithal at halfback to sneak a victory.

Referee: P Marshall (Australia)

Forecast: Cork Constitution

Division Two

Dolphin v Sunday's Well, Musgrave Park

Sunday's well have had indifferent form of late, and have slipped from the promotion picture, but they should win this battle of the Musgrave Park tenants. Forecast: Sunday's Well

Greystones v DLSP, Dr Hickey Park

DLSP have a happy knack of producing their best when least expected, but Ciaran Fitzgerald's charges appear the more rounded team.

Forecast: Greystones

Malone v Portadown, Gibson Park

League leaders Malone have responded superbly to the guidance of former All Black flanker Paul Henderson and should continue their run.

Forecast: Malone

Old Belvedere v Ballynahinch, Anglesea Road

Buoyed by a fine victory over Bective Rangers in their last match, the Dublin club should have too much power for their struggling Northern rivals. Forecast: Old Belvedere.

Wanderers v UCC, Lansdowne Road

UCC are the form team and enjoyed a fine victory over Sunday's Well on Monday. The only danger is wear and tear to players following a hectic schedule. Should be very close but the Cork team to shade it.

Verdict: UCC

Old Crescent v Dungannon, Rosbrien

Another potential stumbling block for Willie Anderson's talent-laden side, who will be without Jonathan Bell and David Humphreys. Crescent may prove too tough at home.

Forecast: Old Crescent

Old Wesley v City of Derry, Donnybrook

The Dublin club's assertion that they are playing better than their results suggest was given substance when they defeated DLSP at Kilternan. Better pitch surfaces will suit them.

Forecast: Old Wesley

Skerries v Bective Rangers, Holmpatrick

The home side took tentative steps to rehabilitate a disastrous season when winning in Cork, while today's opponents suffered a setback at home to Old Belvedere. Holmpatrick used to be a fobidding venue for visitors and Skerries will be determined to recreate that atmosphere.

Forecast: Skerries