BOHEMIANS face their second test of character in a week when they travel to Derry on Saturday for a game which will ask questions of their current rating among the promotion hopefuls. Defeat, combined with home wins for Bangor and UCC, would see the Limerick club slip to the outer limit of the all-important top six which would be a worrying development for a team who were in second place after four rounds of the league.

The only change to the side beaten by Highfield last week is that Joe Sweeney comes into the second row; regular incumbent Anthony Reddan, who cried off last week, has a back injury. Derry expect to be at full strength and their only doubt is over centre Stephen Lindsay, who has a hamstring injury.

Of course Bohemians may retain their promotion spot even if they lose, but both UCC and Bangor will fancy their chances of collecting two points at home. UCC have the bigger job against a bulky Highfield pack and they are nearly sure to be without hooker Frank Sheehan who has a groin strain; Daragh Wytcherly stands by while Conor Kehilly is likely to return to the second row. Bangor would appear to have a more straightforward task against DLSP who should be at full strength.

Outside the top teams, Skerries will have Mick Kumnig back in the second row for the visit of a Waterpark pack approaching their best. With Ben Cronin back in form the visitors will be hopeful of a swift leap up the table. Monkstown will be at full strength for the visit of UCD.

In Connacht, Buccaneers take on a Galwegians team still searching for a league win. The latter have delayed selection, and centre Pat Rowe, with an arm injury, is their biggest doubt.