A preview of the weekend's matches

Blackrock v UL Bohemians Stradbrook

Blackrock’s seemingly perfect blend of aspiring professionals and experienced veterans looked certain to deliver a first-time play-off berth but a shock defeat in Dungannon last Saturday has all but ruined this notion. Captain Shane Byrne looks set to sign off on a remarkable 18-year career where it all started unless a winning bonus point and catalogue of disasters elsewhere produces a miracle.

Verdict: Home win.

Buccaneers v Old Belvedere Dubarry Park

Massive game for the Athlone club. Should Young Munster beat UCD and Buccaneers lose, they could conceivably drop into Division Three next season, what with the new eight-team Division One format. They currently have an 18 points differential advantage on UCD but a bonus point could shift the balance either way. It helps their plight that Old Belvedere are already destined for Division Two next season.

Verdict: Home win.

Clontarf v Dungannon

Castle Avenue

As ever, the standard bearers of Leinster club rugby are closing in on the semi-finals. Clontarf’s task is straight forward: beat Dungannon, who arrive with nothing to play for, and pick up the four-try bonus if possible. Scrumhalf Paul O’Donohoe was on the bench for Leinster last night so may yet be released. Bernard Jackman comes in as coach next season.

Verdict: Home win.

Cork Constitution v Ballymena Temple Hill

With naturalised Kiwi Jeremy Manning pulling the strings, the defending champions have timed their run well. Victory here will secure a home semi-final. Ballymena will be expected to roll over, considering their place in Division Two (or Division One B) is already secured.

Verdict: Home win.

Garryowen v Galwegians Dooradoyle

This is another probable five-pointer. Garryowen know a big win here should secure the home semi-final and keep them ahead of the chasing Leinster trio of Clontarf, St Mary’s and Blackrock. A win without the bonus will probably see them going across town or Dublin or Cork in the play-offs. Captain and flanker Paul Neville is the main injury concern.

Verdict: Home win.

Shannon v Dolphin

Coonagh

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Both clubs are on 47 points, only trailing Cork Con on points difference, but a losing bonus point will not be enough to make the top four. Shannon, no longer reliant on Munster hand-me-downs, and in the less salubrious confines of Coonagh would normally be favourites but Dolphin have been a revelation this season with ball-carrying captain James Coughlan and Barry Keeshan’s kicking prowess enough to turn any team. That said Kiwi number eight Nick Williams is a huge loss having been selected for Munster against Connacht tonight.

Verdict: Away win.

Terenure v St Mary’s

Lakelands

So long as St Mary’s avoid being dragged into a local derby grudge match then they should do what almost everyone else has done this season to a Terenure side that have picked up just seven points in 14 outings. Former Connacht player Conor McPhilips lines out at 13 with impressive Irish under-20s prop Jack McGrath joining the Sweeney brothers in the frontrow, a bonus point will need to be chased from a long way out. Could be tricky.

Verdict: Away win.

UCD v Young Munster

Belfield

The Cookies will attempt to roll back the years to a bygone era when Young Munster sides used to bully their way to victory in Dublin. UCD have struggled in Division One in recent seasons as Trinity and other clubs, mainly Lansdowne, increased the competition for players coming from the schools. A drop to the new Division Three for either proud club would be a grave blow, especially considering the impact of a professional A league from next season.

Verdict: Home win.