Division One

Dolphin v Cork Constitution

Dolphin v Cork Constitution

Constitution will make a late decision on injury victims Conor Kehelly, Roger Newell and John Kelly. Winger Matthew McLoughlin is definitely out. Defeat last week effectively ended Constitution's play-off aspirations. Dolphin covet the victory that would move them clear of the relegation scramble but may not get it today.

Old Belvedere v Shannon

The champions are without pacy wing John Lacey who is still troubled by a hamstring problem. Alan Quinlan returns at the expense of Colm McMahon while Billy O'Shea and Jason Hayes swap positions, the latter moving to full back. The teams should continue to spiral in opposite directions.

READ MORE

Terenure v Old Crescent

Terenure arrested a disappointing slide with victory last week and will hope to continue that momentum when they face a Crescent team without the luckless Brian Begley. Paul McDonagh moves to full back with Kelly HiltonGreene on the win. Dara Kirby resumes in the second row, so Brian Toland reverts to number eight. Terenure to shade it.

Garryowen v St Mary's

The tie of the day, and one that could produce scintillating fare between two sides whose first option is to keep the ball in hand. Both name unchanged teams from excellent victories last week and will be aware of the psychological value of victory today. No Dublin team has won in eight visits to Limerick this season and Mary's have never beaten Garryowen at today's venue in the league. Home win.

Ballymena v Lansdowne

The Ulster side show wholesale changes, with Rab Irwin and Keith Gallick restored to the pack. Paul McBride is preferred to Rupert West, Derek Topping to Andy Dougan. Promising young centre Sheldon Coulter is back after a long spell on the sidelines through injury. He is partnered by Michael Boyd: Mickey Rainey is unavilable, Stanley McDowell is confined to the bench. The revamped home side should be too strong.

Blackrock v Clontarf

Blackrock's decision to play Brian Carey won't further his representative prospects. Tom Keating moves to full back and Brian Scally partners David Quinlan in the centre. Nicky Assaf starts his first game at scrum-half this season. Clontarf's Craig Brownlie is doubtful and he would constitute a major loss. Blackrock's greater desire may be decisive.

Young Munster v Dungannon

Brian Hickey's Young Munster should maintain their push for a play-off place despite injury concerns over Niall McNamara, Stephen Tuohy, Noel O'Meara, Peter Clohessy and Mark Hayes. Last week Dungannon coach Keith Patton described his side's first half performance as atrocious. The struggling Ulster side should find no relief at Tom Clifford Park.

Division Two

Greystones v Buccaneers

A homecoming for the Rigney clan and one that should end in smiles. Greystones had a fine win over UCC, but Buccaneers must win if they are to maintain their push for Division One.

Malone v UCC

The students have been very poor of late while Malone managed an excellent win over Bective Rangers last week. The Ulster club should take both points.

DLSP v Sunday's Well

Kilternan has been something of an unassailable citadel for most clubs, no matter what pedigree they carry to the mountain venue. Murray Kidd's men need a win but DLSP could provide the surprise result of the day.

Old Wesley v Galwegians

The Connacht pace-setters were very fortunate to sneak past Monkstown last week and that escape should have shaken loose any complacency. This will be too much for an ever-improving Wesley.

Monkstown v Skerries

A decent performance against Galwegians last week suggests that Monkstown have rediscovered some direction. If they are to avoid becoming stranded at the bottom of the table this is a relegation dogfight they must, and should, win.

Wanderers v Bective Rangers

Bective will be trying for another victory to ease them away from the wrong end of the table while Wanderers have a similar aim. Should be very close with the home side slight favourites.

Instonians v City Of Derry

This all-Ulster scrap should end in an away win for City of Derry who are too far behind Galwegians, Buccaneers and Sunday's Well to challenge for honours.

The Leinster Schools Senior Cup semi-finals will both take place at Donnybrook (3.30) because of the continuing problems with the playing surface at Lansdowne Road. Terenure College will play Cistercian, Roscrea on March 10th, with the Clongowes Wood College/St Mary's College tie down for decision 24 hours later.

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is an Irish Times sports writer