Division One
Dolphin V Garryowen
Stung by their softish 45-16 defeat to Ballymena, back on home soil and relieved to have several key players back in harness, Dolphin will be much more competitive. They can now count on Auckland squad member for the last three years, number eight Shane Jackson, out-half John O'Mahony and winger Denis O'Dowd. Then again Garryowen - for whom Kevin O'Riordan replaces the injured Conor Kilroy on the wing - will surely up their showing on the soporific 3-3 draw with Young Munster and should win a close game.
Old Belvedere V Ballymena
Though perhaps strengthened up front by the return from injury of Ray Ward and Fergal O'Beirne, Belvedere still don't appear to have struck upon a best side from their already limited resources. By contrast Ballymena are buoyed by the return of Stanley McDowell (bringing their body of current Ulster players to nine), and last week's Ulster league title, and look set to maintain a winning pre-Christmas run.
Terenure V St Mary's
Match of the Day. These two are capable of meeting again in the play-offs which, ironically, might be better news for Terenure. If their scrum holds up - Donal Hyland is selected at loose-head - they will give St Mary's an extended 80 minutes. As things stand, they look the less disrupted, more focused side. Terenure to win.
Blackrock V Lansdowne
Not that they needed any more disruptions, but a young and inexperienced Blackrock side have been forced to reshuffle their back row because of Leo Cullen's shoulder injury. David Hackett comes in at flanker, with David Moore moving to number eight. Lansdowne, admittedly, haven't hit their stride yet and have been further undermined in midfield with Shane Horgan joining Kurt McQuilkin on the sidelines, but presuming Paul Clinch's summary departure does not upset them too much, they ought to continue winning.
Dungannon V Constitution
Constitution have made a number of changes with full-back Kenny Murphy, right-wing Anthony Horgan and flanker Jim Canning returning to the team, and John Kelly moving to left-wing with Niall Murray to centre. Brian O'Meara is expected to play. Potentially one of the day's tighter games. Dungannon were competitive against Shannon whereas Constitution were a disappointment against Terenure but they have the classier looking backs. Con to win.
Young Munster V Clontarf
Another close encounter of the Clifford Park kind, judging by their low-scoring opening efforts. For all Young Munster's untypically abysmal home form last season, this has the makings of an arduous afternoon for the Clontarf pack. Munsters' to rumble to victory.
Division Two
Greystones V Old Wesley
The young Greystones side have reacted encouragingly to the upheavals of last season and the summer exodus. The return of Stuart Wilson, Rory Moloney, Dave Bursey and Connacht under-20 number eight Chris Pratt should strengthen Wesley. But home advantage may shade it for Greystones.
Malone V Monkstown
Malone still have some of the club's traditional flair behind the pack with Neil Doak and Maurice Field good play makers but although Monkstown look comparatively limited, their pack will be extremely competitive and their defence sound. If Rory Vance kicks his goals, they could edge it.
DLSP V Galwegians
The West is alive and thriving. A reported 117 coaches attended the midweek Brian Ashton roadshow, the Connacht under-20s are one game away from a grand slam and Galwegians lead the charge in the AIL. They may be struggling mentally to come to terms with their less salubrious environment these days but have enough good habits to continue their early push for promotion.
Wanderers V Skerries
For all their summer recruitment and flair in the backs, Wanderers' opening day reverse in Galway - varnished by a couple of late consolation tries - underlines the suspicion about their stomach for the AIL battle. Skerries, though not the same force away, will be a good litmus test. Wanderers to win.
City Of Derry V Buccaneers
With Mark McConnell reputedly back in the Buccaneers' fold, though still injured, Eddie O'Sullivan's team look to have more firepower than most packs in this division. Their coach is away this weekend but even so they ought to have too much clout for a comparatively lightweight if dangerous Derry. Instonians V Bective Rangers
Like their Donnybrook neighbours, Bective look like a club in a tailspin. If they are to revive their flagging season and be among the promotion contenders once more, then they must win this one. ACT Kookaburras winger David Assenheim makes his AIL debut on the wing and number eight Philip Kenny starts. Given an improved line-out, Bective to win.
